1. Esther 2:8-9So it was, when the king's command and decree were heard, and when manyyoung women were gathered at Shushan the citadel, under the custody ofHegai, that Esther also was taken to the king's palace, into the care ofHegai the custodian of the women. Now the young woman pleased him, and sheobtained his favour; so he readily gave beauty preparations to her, besidesher allowance. Then seven choice maidservants were provided for her fromthe king's palace, and he moved her and her maidservants to the best placein the house of the women." Make lemonade

2. Those who find the greatest joy in life are people who refuse to be discouraged by their circumstances. Author ZigZiglar says, "If lifehands you a lemon, take the lemon and make lemonade."

3. Esther was handed a lemon. King Ahasuerus decreed that all the beautifulyoung virgins in his kingdom should be brought to Shushan for his inspection. He was looking for a new queen, and a beauty pageant was his method of choice.

4. Esther was part of these degrading procedures. But in spite of what must have been an ordeal for a young Jewish woman, she kept her sweet spirit. Her attitude so impressed Hegai, the custodian of the women, that she became a favourite.

5. Others have learned this secret as well. Charles Goodyear's lemon was a prison sentence resulting from a contempt of court citation. Instead of complaining, he became an assistant in the kitchen. He then used this sour situation to work on an idea for vulcanizing rubber. His lemon became our lemonade. Because of Charles Goodyear, we have better tires,which means better travel and a better way of life.

6. Nothing is so sour that it can't be sweetened by a good attitude.

7. God doesn't exempt us from experiencing sour fruit. We live in a fallen world and that means we may find ourselves in situations as tart as lemons. But God can help us keep our spirits sweet. We have to ask Him to help us. A sweet testimony can squeeze the juice out of a sour world.

10. Trinity Trinity January 2010