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When The Stage Goes Dark


          "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”
             Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai:  “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”  (Esther 4:14-16)
 

            Some people are very upset about what is happening in our country, and about what is likely to happen after the election in the fall. Their angst is understandable. Things don't look good. As one meme posted on Face Book says, it doesn't matter who wins, America loses. We are going to face at least 4 years of trials. Some even predict the end of America. They may be right. Or wrong.
            We have all come into our positions for such a time as this. It is now that we must seek God's guidance in prayer, and if God calls you to it, in fasting, and then to follow the example of Esther by doing that impossible thing that cannot be done but must be. It might not be facing the anger of a king. It might be facing the anger of a terrorist, or a social activist, or a family member. It might be to stand when everyone else is kneeling, or to pray when you're told you may not. 
          Our goal must not be our glory, or even our survival, but God's glory. We must let go of this idea that our victory will  make us look good or put us in control. We must also get over the notion that somehow what is going to happen in November will mean a loss for our side. It really isn't.  It is the dousing of the houselights and footlights so that the spotlight shines to its best effect. It is difficult, but now is perhaps the time for praise and thanksgiving for the chance to stand and watch...and if we perish, we will be with the Lord.

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