A couple of weeks ago we were so pleased to get to see some of our previous campers from the Baptist Children’s Village. The girls got to come up and spend the weekend with us, and it turned out really amazing. We were lucky to be able to welcome them back with us and they were able to harvest a couple of deer.
Everyone that comes to Briar Ridge holds a special place in our heart. And these girls are no exception. We were also very lucky to have a new mentor come up to help with this group and although unforeseen circumstances cut the weekend short for her we hope that she is able to come back and help us again soon.
We ended up with a couple of deer taken and everyone going home with some good memories. The messages for the weekend were brought by one of the founders of the ministry and they were all centered around the path we are on.
My favorite devotion that was given, was about Queen Esther and I was going to try and share it with you today.
You see Queen Esther’s life didn’t start out to good. When we begin reading her story, we find her as an orphan. Her parents had died and she had no one to take care of her. She finally ended up being taken care of by a cousin. And there she found a home. Her and Mordecai got close and she got comfortable. But although she was comfortable a lot was going on where she lived. The king was looking for a wife and she was selected to once again lose her home and be taken to live with all the other girls that would vie for the position as queen. With hundreds of women living under one roof, and a year long beauty regimen and diet Esther remained humble and gained favor from those over her. King Xerxes chose Esther from among all the women and once again she was set, or so we think. There was political and religious unrest and the Queen’s people were about to be slaughtered. When Mordecai learned of what was to happen to the people he went into mourning. When Esther heard about Mordecai her life of leisure changed, the Bible says she was in great distress over what was happening. When she found out why Mordecai was so upset, well the truth was life changed for her that very day. She called the people to a fast for her to have guidance from God on what she should do. So here is Esther the orphan, the adopted, the Queen… and now her and her people have been sentenced to death. You see when we think of Esther we think of how the story turned out. We think of her as the hero that saved a nation from annihilation. But there is so much more to her story.
I want you to know today, that there is so much more to your story. People may look at you and see your circumstances. They may label you and put you in a category. But, I want to make certain that today you know…. You are so much more than a set of circumstances. You are so much more than just a snap shot of your life. You are amazing, you have a purpose, and God has a plan for each and everything that you are going through. Don’t be discouraged, because you can be sure that his purpose and plan will come to life if you just trust in Him.
I encourage you today to take the time to read the book of Esther. It’s the only book in the Bible where God is not mentioned by name, but his handiwork and purpose is seen throughout the book. Know that if you look, you will see his hand in your life as well. Trust in Him to get you through every situation, and you can know that He is working on your behalf.
Love in Christ,
Briar Ridge
PS… if you or anyone you know needs our ministry please feel free to contact us.
