In the Book of Esther, we don’t see the author mention God or God’s presence. However, in this section of Esther, we see God show up in major ways as he turns things around for the good of his people as the story continues to unfold. So, as we read Chapters 6 and 7, we have to read with our eyes open to God’s activity that sometimes happens in subtle ways.
At the end of Chapter 5, we see Haman’s plan to murder Mordecai unfold, and this is where God steps in:
Esther 6:1 says, “That night the king had trouble sleeping, so he ordered an attendant to bring the book of the history of his reign so it could be read to him.”
The king had trouble sleeping. This may seem like a small thing that one could skip over, but it’s actually very important. It is in this moment that we see God working as the king orders his attendant to read the book of history to him. This one sentence opening Chapter 6 changes everything for Mordecai, Esther and the Jews as the king recalls Mordecai’s good deed in saving him from the Eunuchs who plotted to kill him.
After this sleepless night and “coincidental” recognition of Mordecai’s good deed, we see a complete 180-degree shift for Mordecai and the Jews.
In this story we see God show up and turn things around in just one sentence. If we don’t read this Scripture closely, we could miss it. What else is God doing now in our lives and in the lives of those around us, that if we don’t pay close attention, we could miss?
Questions for reflection:
- Where is God working in your life? Is it a visible, clear move of God or a small, still voice leading you or encouraging you?
- What are you grateful for? Sometimes all it takes is actively practicing gratitude to see God working!
- Looking back on your life, do you see where God was moving previously that maybe you didn’t see in the moment?