God, Are You Listening?নমুনা

God answers.

Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” – Esther 4:15-16

The book of Esther is a fascinating read; it makes no reference of God by name. But what is so telling about God's Sovereignty is that even when He is not mentioned, revealed, or directly encountered, He intervenes in what could have been a mass murder for Esther and the Jews.

After they completed the fast, Esther prepares to share details of the plan that would threaten the welfare of her people with King Ahasuerus, her husband. However, before she exposed the plan, his response to her approaching him was: “… What is your wish, Queen Esther? It shall be granted to you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled.” – Esther 7:2

How often do we receive a –yes– before we even ask the question? Wouldn't you agree that someone had to consider the circumstances that were developing (see Esther 3:7-9)? And what factors contributed to Esther's courage to doing a secret, three-day fast– a practice that was prohibited by the king’s court? Where did she get the confidence to fast and approach her husband with such a request?

Esther's story serves as a powerful reminder of God's Sovereignty whenever we need inspiration. If He can orchestrate such a blessing for His people then, without being mentioned, then consider how God's people are being blessed today. When we are steadfast in our commitment to be in alignment with His Will, there is nothing the Holy Spirit will hold back from us!

Time to Reflect:

Reflect on a time when God answered your prayer. How did He respond? Was His response what you expected? If His response was not what you wanted, take a moment to journal about it. But as you do, be honest with yourself and answer the question – what can be hindering you from receiving the answers you seek?

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father, thank you for answering my prayers. No matter where I am, You are Sovereign and know all things. You watch over me even when I disappoint You with my actions. I pray for boldness to step out of my comfort zone, to become more like You every day. Thank you for speaking, listening, and answering me. And thank you for giving me the courage to get out of my own way and to serve you like I should every day. My times are in Your hands (see Psalm 31:14-15). In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.