Through the Battle to Increased Joy

At sundown tonight we enter into God's 12th month, the month of Adar.

"When Adar comes, joy INCREASES!" Why?

Biblically, the 12th month is anchored in the book of Esther - first by the battle and then by the party. They walk through one to get to the other.

Which makes sense. In scripture, 12 is the number of government: Moving through the chaos and into order.

But not just any order or government - Divine governance - God's order.

And so, for us, this is when we lay hold of those things that need to be brought under God's governance.

The process? Well they did need to fight.

Naphtali is the 12th tribe, so named because Rachel had wrestled to prevail.

Whether it's personal (emotions, finances, relationships, etc.,) or corporate (family, church, state, etc.,) wrestling is required to bring them under divine governance.

But take a deep breath: This is a messy process for maximum progress as Esther demonstrates.

It is a contorted and convoluted path when a queen is sacked so a young Jewish orphan can move through the harem to the bed chamber to the bridal suite and thus be set in the halls of power.

A further confluence of events had to overlap so she was positioned and prepared to speak truth to power: To then expose and depose the favored counselor and prime minister of the king.

God arranged the twists and turns to position each person so that the curse was reversed, the battle engaged, and joy could break out.

But what do you do when you're in the middle of the mess?

Interesting, that in the face of his crisis from the curse, Mordecai had the answer, 'Act or don't act but deliverance will come.'

He had a grasp on the end of the story. It may be messy, but it is certain: Deliverance will come.

That confidence leads to increased joy.

What about your story? At the end of this day, week, season, and natural life - Who and what will be there to meet you?

Can you see it now - with confidence?

I can. I've already seen you in the future.

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb... (Rev. 7)

Watch the replay. Get revelation and encouragement to advance.

And remember, even in Esther, the Jewish people were given the right to fight.

But they still had to choose to show up...or not.

Show up. Wrestle to prevail. Bring it under Divine governance.

Increased joy awaits.

Stephen

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