Day 4: Esther’s Plea
Think about a time when God worked something out in your life in a way that was completely unexpected. Perhaps you had a specific need you hadn’t talked about with anybody else, and you suddenly discovered that somebody had fulfilled that need. Or maybe a really difficult situation was unfolding in your personal life, and somebody who didn’t know anything about it texted you to say, “I just wanted you to know I’ve been praying for you throughout the day.”
As the story of Esther comes to a remarkable climax, we see God’s providence (that is, His care and concern for His people) through the acts of a king that didn’t worship Him. Even though the name of God isn’t specifically mentioned in the text, we discover in Esther 7 & 8 that God’s people are rescued, and many who were not Jewish decide to convert and become followers of God (8:17). So not only were God’s people not condemned to death by the Persian Empire, but their numbers grew. At this time in the history of God’s people, He showed that He was still with them.
As you read today, consider this: Think back through all of the readings from this week: How did Esther respond to the challenges she experienced?
READING:
Think back through all of the readings from this week: How did Esther respond to the challenges she experienced?
Would you have responded any differently a year ago? 5 years ago? 10 years ago?
Would you respond any differently today?
F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)
Read: Joshua 1 & 2
Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, today I simply want to thank You for the reminder that even in those moments in which You appear to be silent, still You are with me. You have been with me in my trials. You have been with me in my doubts. You have been with me in my humility. You have been with me in the silence.
This week, as the Christmas season is officially upon us, may I remember that Jesus – Emmanuel – is first and foremost a celebration of You being with us. I thank You in Jesus’ name.
Click here if you would like to provide feedback to help us make the daily devotional and scripture reading guide even better.
south ridge blog 