Who Knows?

Taking risks for God and his kingdom is scary, but can be very rewarding. John Ortberg writes:

It is the very fact that the outcome [of our actions] is unknown that gives courage and hope and daring meaning. If the outcome were always known ahead of time, there would be no point in playing the game. Not-knowing is our fear, and our growth.
-from "When the Game is Over, It all Goes Back in the Box
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It reminded me of something God showed me a long time ago (in August of 2004 to be precise). Having my time with God by the lake near my house in Miami, I was struck by these words uttered by Mordecai, Esther's cousin:
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And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?
Esther 4:14b
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This reveals that while Mordecai had no direct promise of God or command of God to tell Esther to go to the king and deliver Israel from its enemies, he sensed and was convinced that this was her duty. He believed God would deliver the Jews, but he wasn't sure it was through Esther. Yet he had the conviction that the right thing to do was for Esther to go and talk to the king.
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This represents faith, real faith. Faith that acts in obedience to general principles without the need for specific instructions in specific situations. Is was right for her to approach the king (risking her life) to try to save the Jews even though she had no promise of God that she would succeed nor even a direct command of God to do it.
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Most of our acts for God will require this kind of faith --- risky faith --- faith that acts under ambiguous circumstances. This was Mordecai's world. This is our world. This is why Mordecai asked "who knows?" and why may times we are asking the same question. Ultimately God is in control and has chosen not to reveal the details of his plans to us.
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A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?
Proverbs 20:24
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Many of God's people have acted in faith in very ambiguous situations. Jonathan and his armor bearer attacked the Philistines without any specific command to do it or promise of safety. David fought Goliath without these either.
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Esther employed the same kind of risky faith when she approached the king because she must have also asked herself as Mordecai did, "who knows?" Amazingly, this question didn't paralyze Mordecai nor Esther. They cried out to God (fasting for 3 days) and plowed ahead with their plans.
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In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
Proverbs 16:9
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Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
Proverbs 16:3
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And without faith it is impossible to please God...
Hebrews 11:6a

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