The suspense we read in chapters 3 – 7 of Esther is significant.  This suspense could be made into a blockbuster movie! There are threats of oncoming death, grief, great personal risk, clever ways to “turn the table,” and so on.  Esther 4:1-3 gives us a picture of the deep despair before the story miraculously turns.  “When Mordecai learned of all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly. But he went only as far as the king’s gate, because no one clothed in sackcloth was allowed to enter it. In every province to which the edict and order of the king came, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping and wailing. Many lay in sackcloth and ashes.”

When Esther heard of Mordecai’s grief and the king’s decree, she devised a plan, at great personal risk, requiring God’s mercy in the moment.  Esther went forth with the plan and she and her people were saved.  Mordecai and Esther trusted God’s providence even when at times they couldn’t see it working.

What does it take to trust God’s providence, especially when the stakes are high, and you can’t see it working?  Are you aware of His promises?  Can you distinguish the difference between His promises and your desires?  Think today about something you are struggling with and ask the Holy Spirit to help you trust in God’s promises and His providence.