Do you ever wonder what people are really thinking about? It's so easy to get lost in our negative thoughts, "I'll never be good enough! My life doesn't matter! I hate the way I look! I can't do it all! I will always be miserable! God just doesn't care about me!"

The Bible says, "As a man thinks in his heart, so he is." It really is the thought that counts. Many of life's battles are either won or lost in the mind.

God is the God who consistently uses evil to surprisingly serve a higher good. From Joseph, to Esther, to the cross, to the early church - a pattern emerges. If God is active in all of human history, you can choose which side you’re on. It won’t change the ultimate outcome, but it might change yours. So why not surrender?

Of all the people we meet in Esther, Haman is the least attractive. He is completely devoted to himself. And yet before we dismiss him, it might be wise to take a closer look. Is there any possible way in which you and I are like him? And if so, what can we do about it?

Sometimes you just don’t know what hangs in the balance. Neither did Mordecai. But in a very real way, our actions today always leave a legacy. How would you live if you knew your actions today would leave a legacy for a generation tomorrow?

In the story of Esther, we meet several key characters, all of whom will be remembered for something. What do you want to be remembered for? Contrary to what most people want to believe, your character in the little moments determines your legacy in the big moments. If you’re wise, you’ll seek to define what defines you.