Today you should read: Esther 6:1-14
What do you think of the story of Esther? Those people that say the Bible isn’t interesting are crazy! In chapter six you see that God has such a great sense of humor. Just to catch you up in case you aren’t following the plot:
- Esther is made queen – even though she’s a Jew
- The villain – Haman – is upset at Mordecai (Esther’s uncle) because he won’t bow to him
- He’s knee deep in a plot to exterminate the Jews and Mordecai knows about it
- Mordecai asked Esther to speak to the king about
- Now God has allowed Haman to get caught in his own trap and he doesn’t even know it yet
God’s Running the Show…
It’s much easier to see how God orchestrates things for our good and His glory when reading a story like Esther. It’s like watching a game from the top of a stadium – you can see it all. You can see how He worked it out for Mordecai to squeal on the assassinators and for it to be recorded in the records. You can see how he gave the king a no-sleep restless night – so bored he would listen to the history books being read. You see how Haman just happened to be coming to see the king at the right time.
God works like this all the time in your life too! Sometimes to bring you blessings – sometimes to bring discipline and correction into your life. He directs our lives in order to cause us to grow and bring Him glory. So quit kicking and screaming and submit to His mighty plans. It will be easier on you and allow you to be much happier and spiritually productive.
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28
Leave the Vengeance to God…
What would have happened if Mordecai had taken things into his own hands? Why do we think we can fight better than God can? When somebody hurts us, the best thing we can do is turn it over to God. Vengeance can be subtle, we can get caught up in it before we realize it.
Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” Romans 12:18-20
Questions to think about today…
- I am watching God at work in my life and in those I love?
- In what ways am I trying to run the show – rather than submitting to the plans of my Father?
- Who am I trying to extract vengeance on?
- What would God have me do?
By: Tim Parsons — Lead Pastor
JumpstartCPC.com 
Great words today Tim! It’s fun to think about how our lives, like the book of Esther, are fully orchestrated by God. He knows what’s going on and sees things from such a different perspective. What looks terrible to us at the time is just one part of God’s plan and may used in incredible ways in the future.
Look back on the history of your life and pay attention to how God has been perfectly running the show.