Return to site

God's Providential Guidance

An Esther Bible Study

The older I get the more I have the sense that some things are "meant to be." I simply mean that I am more aware of God's providential guidance. I see how God is governing my life and arranging circumstances. I recognize that the Lord is going before me and preparing people for me and me for people.

Are you convinced that you are exactly where God wants you to be? It is an important question. I recently read an Esther Bible study that benefited me greatly. It reminded me that God's guidance is by design, not chance. The story of Esther is about a young Jewish woman, who along with other Jews, was taken into exile by the Persians. Her uncle and mentor, Mordecai,was used by God to remind Esther of her identity and responsibility.

The villain in the story is Haman, one of the king's advisors. He hated the Jews and used his position of power to manipulate the king into passing a decree that would require the extermination of all the Jews. Esther gained access to the king when she became the winner of a rather superficial beauty contest. As the newly promoted queen, Esther used her position of influence to expose Haman's plot and rescue an entire group of people.

The most critical moment is when Esther learns that thousands of lives are at stake. Mordecai told Esther, For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to a royal position for such a time as this? (Esther 4:14) Esther responded with faith and courage and the king discovered the truth. Haman was hanged and many innocent lives were spared.

What does an Esther Bible study have to do with us? The answer is that our lives are being governed by the same God. Following his resurrection Jesus said, As the Father has sent me, I am sending you (John 20:21). For every member of the body of Christ there is a purpose, a plan and a place. None of us is the leading character in the story of our life. Like Esther, God has put you where you are for a reason.

Consider the people in your life. Many within your relational network are people who you routinely see every day. Could it be that God has brought you together for a reason? God often finds people in the middle of their daily routine. When God is at work, doors open. At any time God can guide us to someone who is searching. He can arrange events to get us where he wants us to be even when we don't know he is doing it. God puts us in the right place, at the right time, to say the right thing, to the right person. Confidently believe that God has put you where you are "for such a time as this." Lives are at stake.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5593516

esther

Paul Schlieker disciples internationals and business professionals. He attends Christ Community Church in Omaha, Nebraska. Professionally, Paul is an insurance agent. He and his wife, Peggy have written several easy to use discipleship tools and Bible studies that train believers, introduce Christianity to seekers, and ground believers in Biblical fundamentals. See these resources, subscribe to a free monthly e-newsletter, read more articles by Paul and hear his sermons at http://www.bible-study-lesson-plans.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Paul_Schlieker/300997