GOD CAN ALWAYS MAKE A WAY
On the seventh day, when King Xerxes was in high spirits from wine, he commanded the seven eunuchs who served him to bring before him Queen Vashti, wearing her royal crown, in order to display her beauty to the people and nobles, for she was lovely to look at. Esther 1:10-11
It was not one of the king’s more sterling moments. While in a drunken state, he sent for his wife for the purpose of parading her in front of other inebriated men. She refused. She was not going to allow herself to be a spectacle that day. In response and in a rage, the king took legal action and banished her from his presence forever. Her daring refusal prompted him to take a new queen. It was Esther who would win the title and eventually wear the crown. God is sovereign over other’s choices and His plan for His child is never snuffed out if they trust Him.
Life is messy. Holy and unholy coexist. Sin runs rampant yet God’s purposes still prevail in the midst of unrighteousness. Think of a few of the ungodly elements in Esther’s story: A king in a drunken state. Exploitation of a wife’s beauty. Wouldn’t such things thwart God’s plans? Ask Esther. Her reign as queen arose as a result of her king’s earlier indiscretion. God hopes we’ll understand that our past cannot destroy His plans of blessing for us. A legacy of unrighteousness is not too daunting for God to redeem. The limits imposed by others on our future do not impede God’s good for His child. Any of us who carries the memories of an ungodly heritage need not despair. God plucks leaders out of the homes of the ungodly as well as the homes of the faithful.
When I feel like my tomorrow hangs in the balance because someone whose heart is far from God is in authority over me, I don’t need to panic. God sees them. They cannot rob your blessing. There are roadways in the wilderness that I do not see. He carves out rivers in the desert sand and leaves me breathless with wonder at His creativity and power to work around, and through, uncooperative people. Reviewing the stories of my biblical ancestors, like Esther, is meant to encourage me when I believe the lie that nothing good can possibly come from my present circumstances. For every Joseph in captivity, know that God can easily produce a cup bearer.
I don’t know how You’re going to bring about good out of
my life right now, Lord. Things look bleak. But just as Your hand was on Esther a dark moment in history, You have not forgotten me. Thank You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Originally published Tuesday, 19 March 2019.
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