First Baptist Church of New Holland PA

WHAT IF THIS DOESN’T END SOON,

OR AT ALL? – Jeremiah 10:19, Esther 4

“What if this doesn’t end soon, or not at all?"

"What am I going to do?”

• These are questions we are all asking in some form.
• We live in challenging times. Doubt, fear, dread and uncertainty abound.
• Let me remind you that God is sovereign. Nothing happens unless He allows it.
• Let me also remind you this is nothing new!

Jeremiah 10:19 - Woe is me for my hurt! My wound is grievous: but I said, Truly this is a grief, and I must bear it.

• When Jeremiah said this Jerusalem was on the brink of destruction, and Jews would be murdered and the city, city walls, and temple destroyed. Jeremiah himself would witness the atrocities of war.

Psalm 143:10 - Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

• In this very same Psalm, David said Psalm 143:1-4.

In Esther 4, a man named Mordecai, was in sackcloth and ashes because the whole Jewish race was scheduled for annihilation by Haman.

So what can we learn from these people so we can survive no matter what. Using Jeremiah 10:19

REGRET - Woe is me… – Esther 4:1

It’s okay to grieve over injustice, towards myself or others. It’s okay to have initial concern, fear and angst, but don’t live there! Each one of them cried out to God.

REASON - for my hurt! My wound is grievous (incurable): – Esther 4:1-3

Esther 3 gives the background.

REALITY - but I said, Truly this is a grief, – Esther 4:4-7

Esther, who became Queen through divine providence, was secretly Mordecai’s cousin. She was an orphan that had been raised by Mordecai. She needed to be made aware of this.

This current mess in our country and around the world is not our imagination!

RESPONSIBILTY - and I must bear it. – Esther 4:8-14

Esther 4:14 (KJV) - …who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

God has put you here at this time for a reason. What does he want you to do?

RESOURCES - Psalm 143:10, Esther 4:15-17