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Seek God First
Let’s face it. The storms of life are inevitable. We could be tiptoing through the tulips, when all of a sudden, there IS going to be something, or someone, who causes us to stumble and maybe even fall. We really don’t have to seek out these events in life; they easily seem to find us. So, when (not if) the storms in life come, how do I respond? The story of Esther shows us how our world can be turned upside down in just a moment. Seeking God first helps to prepare us for what is to come – because the storms of life are guaranteed – and how we respond has a significant impact.
From the beginning, God had a perfect plan. Think about Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. God placed two trees in the center of the garden. One (the Tree of Life) could be enjoyed at any desired time by Adam and Eve. The other (the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil) had been placed there to offer them a choice – to follow, trust, and obey Him, OR to go their own way and follow their own desires, with a warning that, if they chose the latter, there would be eternal consequences.
If we choose to seek HIM first, when the storms that we cannot control or the temptations that so easily lure us toward sin rear their ugly heads, we can remain steadfast and grounded on Him. If we have not prepared and decided beforehand that we are going to be CENTERED on HIM as the Giver of life, we will be distracted every single time toward worry, pride, fear, etc., choosing to take matters into our own hands instead of trusting Him.
Reflection
- Think about the Tree of Life, the Kingdom of God, and the righteousness of God. What areas in your life can you be thankful for that bring you back to life?
- What distractions are keeping you from seeing Jesus as the CENTER and Giver of life? Ask God to reveal any barriers that are keeping you in the swirls the world brings. In what areas does He want you to pursue righteousness?
- Reflect on a time when you had to trust God during uncertain circumstances. How did that experience draw you closer to Him?
About this Plan
Life can leave us feeling overwhelmed, but the Bible teaches that God is before us—nothing surprises Him. Dwelling in His purpose gives us strength, courage, and stability amid life’s storms. How do we do that, though, when choices land us in vortex situations? In this 5-day plan for women, rooted in Esther’s story, we’ll explore how to rely on the Solid Rock, so when whirlwinds come, we are ready.
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We would like to thank Immanuel Baptist Church for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://weareibc.com/
