Preacher: Pst Ejiro Otive-Igbuzor
Text: Esther 3: 1-6; Esther 4: 16; Psalm 1: 14
Key facts from yesterday’s sermon:
Key Messages from the Sermon “Unlocking Your Limitless Potentials”:
- Every woman is divinely endowed with limitless potential, and the key challenge is unlocking and fully utilizing it for God’s purpose (Ephesians 3:20).
- Seed of greatness is in you – Your potential is unique and God-given—no one else can fulfill the purpose God has placed within you. A seed seems lifeless, unnoticed until cultivated. Cultivate and use it to serve humanity (Jeremiah 1:5, 2 Timothy 1:6).
- ‘Purpose-driven’ woman, WHAT DRIVES YOU? WHAT IS YOUR ITCH?
- Are you scratching it
- Or making excuses? – Nails and boards with which you build a monument of failure
- Some excuses – My parents did not help me, my uncle or auntie, my Church – suya…a life of bitterness stagnates you – like tying logs/rods of iron to your legs – You cannot move beyond that point.
Psalm 1: 1-4 –
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night – PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP –
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper – BENEFITS OF RELATIONSHIP & THE RIGHT PLACE
4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away –
NOTE:
- If you are purposeless – like the ungodly, it is an error. You must address it today. If you have personal relationship with Jesus, YOU WILL BE PURPOSE DRIVEN – planted in the right place, you hear that teaching that motivates you to act on your dreams, your life cannot be routine!
- Pertinent questions – WHAT IS YOUR ITCH? – Done a lot of laudable stuff in my life, most fulfilling, my novels – South Sudan – my hubby, celebrating all hubbies that support and invest in their wives’ dreams – Hubbies – are you an enabler or disabler? Great men enable their wives to be much more than a housekeeper!
- Women, if you have a great man beside you, APPRECIATE Him, respect him, do not raise your voice at him, massage him…some women are not that lucky.
TODAY’S SERMON – Purpose-Driven Life – Overcoming Your Fears
- YOU CAN BE MUCH MORE! Psalm 82: 6 – Ye are gods! Understand your divine nature, power, and authority – A SPARK OF DIVINITY IS IN YOU
- Sept Anchor – Remember your Identity and Connection to God: As children of God, we reflect His divine image and are imbued with His authority, meaning we are not ordinary beings. We carry a spark of divinity within us -Before you dress to please the world, REMEMBER your identity, before you take that bribe, embezzle that money, say that hateful/hurtful word, gossip to drag someone down, FRUIT OF THE FLESH – malice, hatred, fornication, adultery, etc – Gal 2 from 16
- Creative Power: Just as God spoke the world into existence, you have the creative power to speak life into situations. Proverbs 18:21 says life and death are in the power of the tongue. As God’s representatives, your words have the power to build, create, and transform. SPEAK FORTH YOUR VICTORY – CLAIM YOUR NEXT LEVEL
- Authority and Dominion: You have been given authority to influence and change the world around you. Matthew 16:19 says we hold the keys to the kingdom, allowing us to bind and loose with God’s authority. You are empowered to bring about God’s will on earth. DREAM ON KEYS OF THE KINGDOM – YOPU ARE UNSTOPPABLE – GO WITH THAT CONFIDENCE – Psalm 119:99 (KJV): “I have more understanding than all my teachers:
- Agents of Transformation: As “gods,” you are called to lead and transform the environments you operate in—whether it’s your family, workplace, or community. You have the authority to shift atmospheres and break barriers. I AM SET TO MAKE HISTORY
- Overcoming Limitations: Knowing that “Ye are gods” frees you from fear, societal, and self-imposed limitations. You have supernatural potential to triumph over any obstacle and fulfill your God-given purpose.
Overcoming fear, relying on the Holy Spirit, and taking action are crucial to unlocking your limitless potential. You can achieve all things through Christ’s strength (Philippians 4:13, Zechariah 4:6).
- 2. Top of Form
Bottom of Form
Introduction to Esther’s Life and Mission
Esther, an orphaned Jewish girl raised by her cousin Mordecai, was chosen to become the queen of Persia. Although her beginnings were humble, she rose to a position of great influence. GRASS TO GRACE EXPERIENCE IS STILL COMMON. Her mission became clear when Haman, a high-ranking official, plotted to annihilate the Jewish people. Esther’s courage, wisdom, and faith in God’s protection helped her stand up for her people and foil Haman’s plans, saving an entire nation. Her story teaches us about overcoming fear, trusting God, and stepping into divine purpose.
Key Lessons from the Life of Esther: Courage and Overcoming Fear
- Humble Beginnings Do Not Define Destiny
- Scripture: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5)
Esther’s humble beginnings didn’t limit her destiny. Although she started as an orphan, she rose to a queen, showing that God can use anyone, no matter their background. - Lesson: No matter where you come from, God can position you for greatness.
- Scripture: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5)
- Embracing Responsibility – MANY DODGE RESPONSIBILITY – It’s not my fault –
- Scripture: “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place… And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)
Mordecai reminded Esther that her position was no accident. She embraced her role and took action, demonstrating that God places us where we are for a purpose. THAT PROBLEM YOU COMPLAIN ABOUT – MAY BE THE REASON YOU WERE PLACED THERE – IN YOUR FAMILY, IN YOUR CHILD’S LIFE – RAFAT/AHMED EMBRACE YOUR LIFE. - Lesson: We must recognize and embrace the roles God has given us, knowing He has a divine purpose for us.
- Scripture: “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place… And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)
- Faith Over Fear
- Scripture: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3)
Esther’s boldness to approach the king, despite the potential consequences, came from her faith in God. She fasted, prayed, and trusted that God would guide her steps. - Lesson: Overcoming fear requires a deep trust in God’s plan, knowing that He will protect and guide us.
- Scripture: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3)
- Courage in the Face of Danger
- Scripture: “If I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:16)
Esther displayed immense courage when she decided to risk her life to save her people. Her statement, “If I perish, I perish,” shows that she valued her mission above her own safety. - Lesson: True courage means stepping out in faith, IN FAITH BECAUSE SHE FIRST DECLARED even when the risks seem great, trusting that God will protect us.
- Esther called the Jewish people to fast and pray together before she approached the king (Esther 4:16). This unity in faith strengthened her resolve and empowered her mission
- Scripture: “If I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:16)
- Influence for the Greater Good
- Scripture: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.” (Proverbs 31:8)
Esther used her influence as queen to advocate for her people’s survival. She didn’t remain silent or indifferent but instead risked everything to speak up. - Lesson: When we have influence or authority, we are called to use it to advocate for justice and righteousness, especially for the vulnerable.
- Scripture: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.” (Proverbs 31:8)
- Strategic Wisdom and Patience
- Scripture: “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5)
Esther’s approach to revealing Haman’s plot was strategic. She didn’t rush; instead, she carefully invited the king and Haman to two banquets before making her appeal. - Lesson: Sometimes we must be patient and strategic in handling challenges. God gives us wisdom to act in the right timing.
- Scripture: “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5)
- God’s Providence
- Scripture: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
God’s hand was evident throughout the story. Esther’s rise to power and Haman’s downfall were divinely orchestrated. - Lesson: Even when we don’t see or hear God, we must trust that He is always at work behind the scenes.
- GOD’S HAND IS UPON YOU!
- Scripture: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Esther’s life teaches us that overcoming fear and stepping into divine purpose requires courage, faith, and obedience. As she boldly risked her life to save her people, we too can rise above fear and embrace God’s call for our lives. Whether we are fighting our own battles or advocating for others, we must trust that God is always in control, working behind the scenes to bring about His perfect will.
FEAR – A paralysing force – False Events Appearing Real –
Effects of Fear on the Human Person
FEAR – A Paralysing Force (False Events Appearing Real)
- Paralysis of Potential
Fear can prevent individuals from realizing their full potential, as it often stops them from taking action or pursuing their goals. People may avoid risks or new opportunities because of the fear of failure or judgment.- Scripture: “I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground.” (Matthew 25:25)
- Loss of Enthusiasm and Motivation
Fear can drain enthusiasm and make life seem purposeless. Constant fear creates feelings of dread, making it hard to find joy or passion in day-to-day activities. - Unfocused and Worrisome Thoughts
Fear can consume mental energy, causing people to dwell on their worries and anxieties. This leads to unfocused thoughts and difficulty concentrating on important tasks. - Isolation and Withdrawal
Fear can lead to a desire for isolation, as people may withdraw from social interactions, relationships, and opportunities to avoid the perceived risks. - Physical Health Problems
Fear and anxiety can manifest physically, causing issues like high blood pressure, headaches, muscle tension, digestive problems, and a weakened immune system. Chronic fear can lead to serious health conditions over time. - Emotional and Mental Strain
Persistent fear can lead to anxiety, stress, and even depression. It clouds judgment, reduces emotional resilience, and amplifies negative feelings like hopelessness or helplessness. - Ungodly Behavior
When fear is left unchecked, it can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as substance abuse, avoidance, or unethical behavior as people try to control or escape their fears. - Choking of Spiritual Growth
Fear can hinder spiritual growth, causing doubt and reducing faith. It blocks the heart from fully trusting and acting on God’s promises.- Scripture: “The worries of this life choke the word, making it unfruitful.” (Matthew 13:22)
- Strain on Relationship with God
Fear can distort one’s relationship with God, leading to a lack of trust in His goodness and provision. It may cause people to feel abandoned or punished, which erodes intimacy with God. - Premature Death
Chronic fear and stress can shorten a person’s lifespan. Fear that prevents seeking medical care or causes harmful lifestyle habits can accelerate health deterioration.
Summary
Fear is a paralyzing force that not only holds people back from fulfilling their potential but also negatively impacts physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, and spiritual growth. Overcoming fear with faith and trust in God is essential for living a full and purposeful life.
GRIT is Needed to Fulfill Destiny
Message: Fulfilling your destiny requires grit—courage, determination, and faith despite the challenges.
- Scripture: Psalm 27:1 – “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” David’s confidence in God was the source of his courage.
Life is Risky, But Focus on God
- Message: Fear arises from the uncertainties of life, but focusing on God dispels fear. Focusing on the problem increases fear, but focusing on God brings peace.
- Scripture: Psalm 27:4-6 – David sought God’s presence, and in doing so, his fear melted away. God becomes a stronghold in troubled times.
Some people would say “I’m too afraid to do this. What if I fail? What if no one patronises me?” What if….what if…what if? You are not the only who has some fear about starting a new venture or doing something new. Other people succeeded because they overcame their fear. Remember the following:
God has not given us a spirit of fear (2 Tim 1: 7). When fear comes, cast it out.
• The law of belief says: Whatever you truly believe becomes your reality. You always act in a manner consistent with your beliefs.
• The law of expectation says: Whatever you expect with confidence becomes your own self-fulfilling prophecy. Expect the very best!
• The law of attraction says: You are a living magnet. You invariably attract into your life the people, situations and circumstances that are in harmony with your dominant thoughts. You need to think right always. Prov 23: 7a – as a man thinketh in his heart, so he is.
• You can beat that fear and take action today. Backed by the power of the Almighty God, you will succeed.