2. Introduction: Esther 1-2 The king of Persia put on a banquet; for 180 days he showed off the wealth of his kingdom. He ordered queen Vashti to be brought in to show off her beauty – but she refused. He asked his wise men for advice and they said to banish and replace her. A search for a new queen was launched. Introduction: Esther 1-2 The king of Persia put on a banquet; for 180 days he showed off the wealth of his kingdom. He ordered queen Vashti to be brought in to show off her beauty – but she refused. He asked his wise men for advice and they said to banish and replace her. A search for a new queen was launched.

3. How Can You Allow God To Use You? Insights from Esther

4. Look Past Your Inabilities and Failings Esther was an orphan, a Jew and living in exile in a foreign land (Esther 2:5-7) Look Past Your Inabilities and Failings Esther was an orphan, a Jew and living in exile in a foreign land (Esther 2:5-7)

5. Embrace a Period of Preparation Esther spent a year preparing - a time of personal transformation (Esther 2:9) Embrace a Period of Preparation Esther spent a year preparing - a time of personal transformation (Esther 2:9)

6. Seek the Heart of the King Esther wanted the kings presence more than his presents (Esther 2:15) Seek the Heart of the King Esther wanted the kings presence more than his presents (Esther 2:15)

7. Seek the Favour of God Esthers influence flowed from intimacy and her access came from her relationship with the king (Esther 2:9,17) Seek the Favour of God Esthers influence flowed from intimacy and her access came from her relationship with the king (Esther 2:9,17)

8. Be Willing to Start with Small Tasks Esthers reliability and motives were tested when she dealt with the assassination plot (Esther 2:22) Be Willing to Start with Small Tasks Esthers reliability and motives were tested when she dealt with the assassination plot (Esther 2:22)

9. Expect to Meet an Enemy As Esther stepped up to serve she met Haman who wanted to exterminate the Jews (Esther 3:8-9) Expect to Meet an Enemy As Esther stepped up to serve she met Haman who wanted to exterminate the Jews (Esther 3:8-9)

10. Realise Your Design Potential Esther knew she was divinely positioned for impact – to ask the king to save her people (Esther 4:14) Realise Your Design Potential Esther knew she was divinely positioned for impact – to ask the king to save her people (Esther 4:14)

11. Find Your sweet Spot Esther served at the intersection of her passion, abilities and a need she cared about (Esther 4:14-17) Find Your sweet Spot Esther served at the intersection of her passion, abilities and a need she cared about (Esther 4:14-17)

12. Put Your Hand Up Esther did not wait for someone else to step forward – she volunteered before anyone else did (Esther 4:16) Put Your Hand Up Esther did not wait for someone else to step forward – she volunteered before anyone else did (Esther 4:16)

13. Be Willing to Serve Even at Great Personal Cost Esther said: I will go to the king…if I die, I die (Esther 4:16) Be Willing to Serve Even at Great Personal Cost Esther said: I will go to the king…if I die, I die (Esther 4:16)