A thought by Max Lucado, from his book, You Were Made for This Moment (p. 8). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon to buy the book.)
Do you ever ask that question and are you unsure of the answer?
Max continues, "Might you be open to a gold nugget that lies in the substratum of the Esther story? Quiet providence. Providence is the two-dollar term theologians use to describe God’s continuous control over history. He not only spoke the universe into being, but he governs it by his authority. He is 'sustaining all things by his powerful word' (Heb. 1:3). He is regal, royal, and—this is essential—he is right here. He is not preoccupied with the plight of Pluto at the expense of your problems and pain."
He says, "He has been known to intervene dramatically. By his hand the Red Sea opened, the manna fell from heaven, a virgin gave birth, and a tomb gave life. Yet for every divine shout there are a million whispers. The book of Esther relates the story of our whispering God, who in unseen and inscrutable ways superintends all the actions and circumstances for the good of his people. This priceless book reminds us that he need not be loud to be strong. He need not cast a shadow to be present. God is still eloquent in his seeming silence and still active when he appears most distant."
Max later says, "The theme of the book of Esther—indeed, the theme of the Bible—is that all the injustices of the world will be turned on their head. Grand reversals are God’s trademark. When we feel as though everything is falling apart, God is working in our midst, causing everything to fall into place. He is the King of quiet providence, and he invites you and me to partner with him in his work. The headline of the book of Esther reads: Relief will come. . . . Will you be a part of it?"
He goes on, "When all seems lost, it’s not. When evil seems to own the day, God still has the final say. He has a Joseph for every famine and a David for every Goliath. When his people need rescuing, God calls a Rahab into service. When a baby Moses needs a mama, God prompts an Egyptian princess to have compassion. He always has his person.
"He had someone in the story of Esther.
"And in your story he has you."
He then says, "You want to retreat, stay quiet, stay safe, stay backstage. I don’t have what it takes, you tell yourself. You could dismiss the 'made for this moment' idea as mere folly.
"But I oh-so-hope you won’t.
"Relief will come. . . . Will you be a part of it?
And that is a good question and the right question for us in what we are going through, isn't it? Yes, yes! #continethought
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