Esther is one of the most fascinating books of the Bible. It is one of the two books of the Bible that does not directly mention God. Although God is not directly mentioned, one can clearly see His intervention in the lives of His people.
Esther lived during a time when the Jews were under foreign captivity. She became queen through a series of circumstances. She used her influence to save God’s people from certain destruction. That’s the short version—I would highly encourage you to read the whole story to see all of the events that God weaves together.
Mordecai, Esther’s uncle and adoptive parent, had this to say during a critical point in her life:
“. . . Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”
-Esther 4:14
Mordecai simply encouraged Esther to consider all that God had done to put her in a royal position. He wanted her to see what God was saying through her life situation.
Christian leaders often tell you to focus on God, not on your circumstances (especially when there are hardships). This is true—we are to keep our focus on Him. Sometimes, however, God uses circumstances to speak to us. Truly focusing on God means that we are open to his direction, no matter how He chooses to reveal it.
You may be praying for your finances, for example, and a great job opportunity opens up. As you pray over different options, you may notice that God clearly closes some “doors” and opens others. This is His divine intervention in your life, and at times it can be very clear that He moving you in a certain direction.
This does not mean that the right path is trouble-free. The right path may be rough, but it will be clear. God will work through your circumstances to make sure you understand.
Consider the following passage and think about how wonderful our God is. Our God is a Master Architect who is working through every detail of our lives!
O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
You see me when I travel
and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord.
You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to understand!
-Psalm 139:1-6
Kuya Kevin,
what if there are two choices and both seem right, within “God’s moral will.” Is there a right or wrong, a good or better decision between those two? What if I choose one and realize, that in the middle of the road, the other choice could have been better?
As for open and closed doors, is a closed door closed forever?
Anonymous,
Sometimes God simply allows us to choose between two options. In such cases you simply have to pray and make the best decision you can.
No need worrying “what if”–that kind of thinking will paralyze you and keep you from making any decision.
I guess its a matter of faith on my part. Thanks kuya,
Hi K. Kevin,
I praise God thru Jesus our Lord and savior for the wisdom that He bestow upon you God bless and more power to your ministry.
Romans 8:28
filipina/canadian