Esther became queen to the Persian king Xerxes, even though she was an orphaned Jew. She played a key role in saving the Jewish people within the vast Persian empire (modern day Middle East, mainland Europe, and over to India). Her story illustrates how God works in the world still today (See notes in NIV Life Application Study Bible 1991 edition, page 1009).

God acts through the natural order he created and set into motion, miracles, and providence.

You know the natural order of things through study of the Bible and your conscious. We are born with certain attributes and abilities. In Esther’s case, she was born with natural beauty. 

Miracles are when God responds to what people need or ask for in an unexpected way. Esther was able to speak to the king when she just as likely could have been killed for even approaching him. 

Providence is when God moves people, things, and situations around to enable his will to happen through people. Sometimes he overrules the natural or expected order to accomplish something. In Esther’s story, her uncle overheard something that enabled him to take a step that set God’s plan in motion.

You don’t know God’s plan for your life, but you have three options. Each were exhibited by Esther – plan and pray as well as trust and obey.

Make plans that fit with God’s natural order and the desires of your heart. Pray about your plans and all things that concern you and the world around you. Trust that God is in control of everything and hears every prayer. Obey his commands given to everyone as revealed in the Bible. Obey the unique plans spoken to your heart personally by the Holy Spirit. 

Too often people disobey God’s natural order and commands, demand God do what they want, or despair when the desired answer does not come.

Have you planned, prayed, trusted, and obeyed? 

Carla G. Harper - Author, Publisher, Speaker