God’s Favor Changes Everything
It can be easy to be overcome with grief and pain when life becomes overwhelming. But when life’s circumstances seem impossible, God’s favor changes everything.
Bible Reading: Esther 1-5
Today we are starting a new book of the Bible, the book of Esther. We are not sure who the author is of the book of Esther that was written about 100 years after the Babylonian exile in the kingdom of Persia, likely written between 460 and 350 B.C.
The book of Esther is unique in that God is not mentioned in the book of Esther, and yet His sovereign direction is evident in each scenario.
King Xerxes might have thought that he was in control. Yet as he was manipulated by Haman, God still moved and “happened” to have Esther appointed as queen.
God’s Favor Changes Everything—God’s Plans Trump Man’s
Haman, the enemy of God’s people thought he was in control. But God trumped his plans, too.
We see this principle at work:
Proverbs 16:9
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.”
Psalm 37:23
“The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way.”
Proverbs 16:1
“The plans of the heart belong to man, but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD.”
Proverbs 16:8
“Better a little with righteousness than great gain with injustice.”
Proverbs 19:21
“Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.”
Proverbs 20:24
“Man’s steps are ordained by the LORD, How then can man understand his way?”
Gotquestions.org:
“The purpose of the Book of Esther is to display the providence of God, especially in regard to His chosen people, Israel. The Book of Esther records the institution of the Feast of Purim and the obligation of its perpetual observation. The Book of Esther was read at the Feast of Purim to commemorate the great deliverance of the Jewish nation brought about by God through Esther. Jews today still read Esther during Purim.”
It was a crucial time in Jewish history. The entire Jewish race could have been exterminated. And it was a simple Jewish girl who God used We see in the character of Esther how one puts themselves under the favor of God.
God’s Favor Changes Everything—Esther was submissive.
Esther 2:15
“Now when the time came for Esther to go to the king, she asked for nothing other than what Hegai, the king’s eunuch who was in charge of the harem, suggested.”
God’s Favor Changes Everything—Esther was under authority.
She followed Mordecai’s leadership even when it was hard to do.
God’s Favor Changes Everything—Esther was bold and brave.
Going to the king and requesting a meeting was not something usually done – even by the queen.
Esther 4:16
“16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.”
Sometimes we can get caught up in seeking the favor of man, which is so fickle and futile. But the favor of God is what we need to seek.
God can move the heart of kings, governments, and people. He is the one in control. Haman was an Agagite and enemy of God’s people. But he could not destroy God’s people because God moved and He is over all.
When God seems absent, when His people are unfaithful, God has not abandoned His people or His promises.
Trust God’s providence even when we can’t see it working.
Scripture of the Day: Esther 4:14
“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to the royal position for such a time as this.”
Application
- For such a time as this, be available for God’s purposes.
- Rely on God’s favor, not man’s.
- Be submissive and under authority and God will use you in big ways.
𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝘁 12 𝗽𝗺 𝗘𝗧.
Day #352: Esther
𝒱𝑒𝓇𝓈𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒟𝒶𝓎: Esther 4:14
“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to the royal position for such a time as this.”
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