I've always loved the story of Esther: a small-town orphan girl wins a beauty pageant and the crown she receives is to a real kingdom. At first glance it seems like textbook Disney material, but the "happily ever after" is still "far, far away". Esther has just been plucked from her home and placed in a pagan land. She finds herself married to a controlling ruler who struggles with drinking and rash decision-making.
And then, when a plot to destroy the Jews is revealed, she risks it all. Esther could have said, "I don't want to jeopardize my position. No one will ever find out I am a Jew. I am going to be careful and play it safe." Little did she know it was God's plan for her to be there at that specific time in order to rescue her people. A bold girl in the right place at the right time saved an entire nation from annihilation.
The story of Esther is saturated with this theme of God's providence, even though He is never specifically mentioned. God’s supposed "absence" is used by the author to remind us how the Lord works through seemingly ordinary events to achieve His purposes. Esther teaches us that although we often cannot see God in the face of adversity, He is still present and orchestrating all things for our good.
Right now, I feel a little bit like Esther. No, I'm not living in a palace. No, I definitely won't be winning any beauty pageants. But I've left my family and moved to a foreign land alone; a place where I, as a Christian, am definitely in the minority. Esther's story reminds me that God has a specific purpose in bringing me to Salt Lake City. What comfort to know that He created me with this very plan in mind! Whatever overwhelming trial you are currently facing, God has a purpose for placing you in the midst of it. Will you take a stand?
Your reply may be, "But how?" Esther wasn't sure of God's plan either. Our next step won't always be clear. There will be times in your life when you've searched Scripture, prayed, sought wise advice, and yet a big unknown still remains. You can definitely take the time to sleep on it. Esther certainly did as she fasted and prayed for three days. But then there comes a point when you can wait no longer. You have to pull up your big girl (or boy) panties and step out in faith.
Today, let’s boldly step out and make ourselves available to God just as Esther did. God has created you, my friend, with a beautiful plan in mind. Perhaps it was for this particular trial, or to simply share the hope of eternal life! Be bold. Be courageous. And take faith. We may not have all the answers, but we certainly serve a God who does!
