February 19 - (God)Incidents

Overview of: Esther

Today's Reading:
Esther 1:1 – 3:15
"Vashti and Esther"

Focus Verses: Esther 3:7
7 In the twelfth year of King Xerxes, in the first month, the month of Nisan, they cast the pur (that is, the lot) in the presence of Haman to select a day and month. And the lot fell on the twelfth month, the month of Adar.

Insight:
While God is never explicitly mentioned in the book, God's hand of providence and intervention is clearly implied in all the events and details of the story. As the details unfold, it becomes clear that God has been at work behind the scenes all along. Events and situations, which appear at first to be unrelated and circumstantial, turn out to be threads in God's hand that he is weaving into a tapestry of redemption for his people. What seemed to be coincidence was actually a series of God-incidents.

Response and Action:
I will trust that God is at work for my future and for his good purposes. It's hard to know how the events of today will be woven into my future. Some things that seem important may end up forgotten. Some things may be crucial to my unfolding story. Will something that happens today be important to me in years to come? Who knows? God knows, so I will live for God today--seeking his will, living by his word, putting him first, giving Him honor--trusting that my future is in his hands.

O God, search me and know my heart. Try me and know my anxious thoughts. Help me to see and turn away from any hurtful or sinful way. I trust you with all my tomorrows. My future hope is in you. I will follow Jesus, trusting that you can use every step I take today to bring me safely into the bright tomorrow you have for those who love you. Amen.

New Testament for Today: Romans 8:28
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
In Context: Romans 8:28-39

Proverb for Today: Prov. 19:21
"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails."

Recommended Reading:
Serious Times: Making Your Life Matter in an Urgent Day
by James Emery White