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An Unseen Guide: The Book of Esther




Have you ever wondered why things have happened the way they have in the past, or where God is during difficult circumstances? The same questions have burdened the minds of thousands upon thousands, yet the Bible has a wonderful story that can shed light and insight upon our experiences, and strengthen us with hope and courage as we continue our journeys through this life. The story that I am mentioning is, The Book of Esther. The book of Esther is an inspiring read in the Old Testament recounting the experience of Esther, a Jewish woman alive during the time of the Medes and the Persians, around 483-473 BC. The Jews at large were freed at large from captivity, yet some still remained in Babylon. To make a long story short, Esther is personally chosen by the king to be his wife, and then, when her uncle finds out about a plot to destroy the Jews, she purposes to do what she can to thwart this plot against her people. This story tells of the bravery and nobility of Esther, along with the integrity and wisdom of Mordecai, and this story underlines the fruits of a life of courageous integrity to God. I highly recommend a read of this inspirational book of the Bible.

The main theological message behind the Book of Esther is the outworking of God’s sovereign purposes behind the scenes despite the visible situation. Even though Haman is in high power, and even though there is an unalterable decree for the death of the Jews, God is working out all things according to His plan. All of the events recounted in this book, from Mordecai overhearing the plot to kill the king, to Esther becoming queen, and the king being unable to sleep and remembering these things; each of the different moments in the story that contributed  to the final outcome that glorifies God and benefits His people, all point to a Master Technician behind the scenes, working things together for good. This book beautifully illustrates the fact that the daily happenings in our lives are not mere coincidence, but rather are divinely appointed and set up by Him who knows the end from the beginning, by One who has the best interest of His children in mind. This book also highlights our part to play in God’s will; God placed Esther and Mordecai in those positions and staged their lives, but it was up to them to choose to follow out God’s plan and to exercise bravery, nobility, and faith, even though their lives were in danger. God cannot force our obedience, and we each have to choose to either obey or disobey.

This book is highly relevant in our modern age, where we have a lot of crazy life events that are difficult to explain and that could lead one to question whether God is present in their life or at work in the world at large. Each of us has a very uncertain future ahead of us, and it can be anxiety-inducing to think that there is no direction or guidance as we tread onward through the path of life, amidst turmoil and trial. Yet this book shows that we have an unfailing Guide, who, though we may not see Him, guards and leads us onward to glory. This book shows that our past experiences are not a waste, that God is not unmindful or ignorant of our situation, but that behind it all He permits things to transpire to stage our lives for where we are today and to prepare us for what we are going to encounter in the future. As we each move forward in life, we can trust that God is in control, working out the path of our lives according to His will, with our individual and collective best interest in mind. Because of His love and sovereignty, we can rest in Him and faithfully act our part in His universal plan, free from the pain of worry or anxiety, and with confidence in God’s leading.

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