God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
Many of you know I read through the Bible every year. I've done it annually, save once, since I came to Christ over a decade ago. Most often, I either read straight through from Genesis to Revelation, or do a bit of Old Testament and a bit of New Testament each day.
Almost every time I've read the OT book of Esther, I've followed it immediately with Job. And not until this weekend did I notice one incredible contrast.In the former, God's name isn't mentioned. Not once. Not even in passing reference. Esther is completely void of any reference to the Lord - or even prayer.
Yet in Job, God speaks, practically uninterrupted, for FOUR CHAPTERS - over one hundred verses of words directly from the Father Himself.
But God's footprint is unmistakeable in both of these ancient texts.
Because, you see, sometimes God speaks out of the storm (Job 38:1). Sometimes, when our situation is dire, when we've lost everything we think matters, when our friends turn against us, when we'd do anything to ask the Lord why we have to go through life, when all seems hopeless, our Heavenly Father appears and speaks to us in a way that could only be Him. His presence, His power, His proclamation cannot be missed - by anyone.
But sometimes He doesn't. Sometimes he puts us in difficult - maybe impossible - situations to show His glory through us, rather than to us. When we're far from home, hidden, ignored, and set up for persecution, we must be His hands and feet - not just look for them. For who knows but that we were put in this position for such a time as this? (Esther 4:14)
And who would put us there but God?
He's there, my friends. Whether you can see Him or not.
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Do you see God in both of these ways? Which do you see more? Are you more likely to forget He's there in an Esther situation? Comment below, and/or stop by Living by Grace and we can chat a bit!
Traveling Rough Roads With God's Strength
Wonderful message shared, Joanne! I've been blessed! Have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Joseyphina! You have a great day too!
ReplyDeleteLove this! Thank you. Isn't it amazing the truths we continue to learn in God's timeless Word?!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kristi. It never ceases to amaze me what I pick up in God's Word, no matter how many times I've read a passage! Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful message Joanne...it is a blessing to read your post as it illuminates my day!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Wendell. Glad my post blessed you - I appreciate you stopping by!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post, Joanne!
ReplyDeleteTo be his hands and feet rather than look for them...excellent point Joanne.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jennifer and Wanda. I'm glad my post blessed you.
ReplyDeleteBeen living in Esther status for a couple of weeks now. It's been quiet around here; still and yet, I know God is with me.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
Several years ago we were in an Ester situation. If not for the Psalms at 2 AM every morning, I might have been at a total loss and not seen Him. Easter did "the next thing" for her time and sometimes that's all we can do. At the end of our situation, we saw His hand of guideance and some pretty significant things have happened as a result. Thank you for your insight.
ReplyDeleteI love that, Ann - the next thing for her time. Thanks for the insight, AND for stopping by!
ReplyDeletePowerful message here, Jo. I had never thought of that contrast before, but love, love, love how God works so powerfully in both ways. Off to read those chapters in Job now.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Di! I love when His Word brings something new to light. Be blessing in Job :)
ReplyDeleteI've learned not to anticipate God's plan and just let it be. A doesn't always lead to B in God's plan, but whatever it leads to is always good! Angie :)
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