Control Even in the Small and Silent Moments:

I have recently started studying the book of Esther in a Bible Study.  I love the book of Esther a lot.  It has always been one of my favorites, if not my absolute favorite, book of the Bible.  I have loved the story of bravery in a young girl.  She showed strength and courage, when most people in her position would not dare to.  

Something notable about the book of Esther is there is no mention of God anywhere.  He is not mentioned and seems to not necessarily be in constant contact with his people.  Esther and her cousin Mordecai are living in the country Persia, which is not where God’s people were in control.  It could be assumed, possibly, that Mordecai and Esther, through their Jewish faith, were talking and praying to God, but we never actually read about it in the book. 

However, we see many times that God had complete control over the situation.  He was controlling the small things, the things we don’t necessarily always think about.  For example, God was in control of the King picking Esther to be his wife and to like her the most out of all the other young women he was shown.  God is the one who chose Esther to be the most favorite and to be the most desired.  He also chose her to have Mordecai who would take care of her, and was often around to hear about the big things happening in the city, so he could best warn Esther.  He happened to be around at the best moments, which definitely meant good for both himself, Esther, and all the Jewish people. 

One other thing I enjoyed about re-reading and re-studying the book of Esther is realizing that if we choose not to partake in something God had planned for us, then God will find another way to complete this part of His story.  Sometimes we as people can believe God needs us.  He can’t complete a certain job without us and our saying yes to certain actions.  It can feel nice as people to feel needed, but this gives us, as humans way too much credit.  

One piece of advice I most appreciated that Mordecai gave to Esther was when he told her that if she was not the one who decides to save God’s people, God will find a different way to save them.  This is said in Esther 4: 14. The text reads, “If you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will come from another place, but you and your family will be destroyed.  Who knows, perhaps you have come to your position for such a time as this.”  I love this verse because it is a good reminder God can use anyone at any time.  He chooses us, and we can either choose to rise to the occasion, or he will make a new path.  God is completely in control.  He doesn’t need to use us, but he chooses us. 

I know I am a person who can sometimes forget God has complete control.  I will often struggle to believe in him completely.  I want to be the one in control of my destiny and of the things happening in my life.   I know I personally have a few bigger events in the near future where I can already feel the stress of control is starting to take over.  For example, this year, I am getting married and moving with my husband to our new house.  Besides this major life event, I also need to finish getting my teacher license renewed within this next year.  I need to make sure I am staying on top of everything with my job and working, my volunteering, mentoring, etc.  There is a lot I want to have control over, but I also know I need to take a step back. 

The challenge for this week is to think of times when you as a person have not believed in God’s complete sovereignty and have tried to take control, when it was not yours to take control over.  What are the things you tend to really stress over because you can’t seem to allow God to do His work? After you decide which things are easy for you to want to control, spend some time in prayer asking for God’s sovereignty to be more known to you.  This way you may be more aware of his control and his love for you.  God has a plan.  He wants us all to have a positive part of his plan, but he doesn’t need us in order to fulfill it.