Unusual Suspects: Esther - For Such a Time as This
Group Leader Guide
Sermon Recap 🎬
Pastor John Mark Caton discusses the story of Esther, an orphan who rises to become queen in Persia, demonstrating how God uses unlikely individuals for His purposes. He emphasizes that God values the heart over personal qualifications and that one’s history does not dictate their destiny. The sermon encourages listeners to have courage in their faith, reminding them that they may face opposition when standing firm in their beliefs. Ultimately, the message highlights that each person has a unique purpose and can make a significant impact by being faithful and willing to bless others.
Ice Breaker 🧊
If you could only sleep on a bed made of hay or feathers, which one would it be and why?
Discussion Questions 💬
What does it mean to you that God uses 'unusual suspects' in His plans, as Esther's story highlights?
Pastor discussed how Esther, an orphan, became a queen and played a crucial role in saving her people, showing that God does not rely on traditional qualifications.
Can you think of a time in your life when you felt unqualified but still succeeded at something important? How did that experience shape your faith?
How can we expect pushback when we stand firm in our beliefs, similar to Mordecai not bowing to Haman?
Pastor mentioned that Mordecai's refusal to honor Haman led to significant consequences for himself and his people.
Have you ever faced pressure to compromise your values? Share your experience and discuss how you responded.
What role does prayer play in making tough decisions, as Esther showed by asking her people to fast and pray?
Pastor highlighted that Esther prepared to approach the king with courage after seeking God's guidance through fasting and prayer.
What practices do you have in place to seek God's guidance when facing important choices in your life?
In what ways did God's plan unfold throughout Esther’s story, and how does this relate to the idea that our history does not determine our destiny?
Pastor explained that despite their difficult pasts, both Esther and Mordecai achieved significant roles in saving their people, emphasizing that God has a purpose for everyone.
Reflect on a personal challenge you have faced. How can you see God’s hand leading you toward a greater purpose in that situation?
How does the story of Esther encourage us to recognize and use our unique gifts to help others?
Pastor noted that Esther used her position as queen to advocate for her people, showing how we can use our own abilities to serve others.
What specific gifts or talents do you possess, and how can you use them to positively impact your community?
Prayer 🙏
Ask for prayer requests from the group.
Pray for God to help us recognize our purpose in our current situation.
Ask God to give us the courage to stand firm in our faith.
Pray for opportunities to bless others in our lives this week.
