Everyone knows the popular idiom: Timing is everything. The secular world says it because people, situations, and events seemingly combine for optimum results. When these things happen, the secularist may say that the stars were properly aligned. The pragmatist may explain that certain steps were taken to ensure the desired outcome. The reality is that everything that happens on this planet is either orchestrated or allowed to happen by the Sovereign God of the universe. Moreover, He is the God who controls time and man’s entrance and exit from history as we know it and what happens in the interim. Acts 17:26
After decades in captivity and exile, I can only conjecture that many Jews in the land of Persia probably thought they were off of God’s radar so to speak. I wonder how many of them remembered the words of the prophets who told them judgment was coming, but restoration would follow. The story of one of these exiles, the young Jewish woman Esther, is an example of God’s providential care, even when He is seemingly absent. In fact, her cousin Mordecai sent a message to her that even in the midst of an impending disaster, she might be there for such a time as this. Esther 4:13-14
As we all know, this beloved Old Testament book is just one of two in the whole Bible that doesn’t mention God by name. Although His name is absent, the presence and providence of God are unmistakable throughout the story of Esther and her people. What’s even more notable is that God seems to be orchestrating the very details that will affect Esther and His chosen people. As incredible as I find the providence of God in preserving His people in Persia, I’m also moved by the fact that Mordecai and Esther took great risks and were thoroughly involved at a time when they could have laid low. Esther 4:1 and 4:15-16.
Esther put herself at great risk in appearing before the king and said, “If I perish, I perish!” Both Esther and Mordecai showed remarkable courage and perseverance in the midst of a challenging and perilous time. Esther and her cousin were under the providential care of God, but we are still aware that they knew the mortal danger they were in. The sort of resolve they lived out was in a real-time and a very real situation. Their faith wasn’t a display of good old-fashioned stiff upper-lip-type stoicism. Their faith and actions that followed were rooted in the fact that they belonged to the Living God. Mordecai mourned and wept bitterly dressed in sackcloth and ashes, while Esther fasted for three days and nights in Esther 4:15. Esther and Mordecai weren’t hapless pawns on the board of human circumstance, but they were completely active and seeking God.
Esther’s response to Mordecai in Esther 4:16 is notable and reminds me of the response that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego gave to King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 3:18. Esther understood that she might perish, just as Daniel’s friends said, “But if not” in the realization that God can do what He wills. In both instances, this young Jewish lady and young men were willing to count the cost and risk everything regardless of the outcome.
The story of Esther, Mordecai, and the Jewish people’s deliverance from wicked Haman and his plan to destroy them reminds us that we also have a real enemy who wants to destroy us. Moreover, Satan wants to thwart the work of the Lord that’s being done through us. He’s always had it in for God’s people, be it Esther, Daniel’s friends, or us. Satan knew that the Messiah would come through the Jewish people and tried repeatedly to destroy them. He also knows that the gospel is spread through Jesus’ followers and wants to destroy us as well. This is where the providence of God and our perseverance intersect. We have to understand that just as Esther was there for such a time as this, God has placed us in a particular time in history to accomplish His will and purposes as the Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 1:11
I find Paul’s words to the Christians in Ephesus very encouraging because, in spite of what the pragmatist or secularist might say, God controls time and the believer’s place in it. Since we are assured of God’s providential hand in our lives, we should also be encouraged to persevere in our time and in what He has called each of us to do. The unbelieving world will say things like, “I was born at the wrong time” but the Christian knows that our times are in His hands, just as David said in Psalm 31:15.
This is a unique and exciting time for us to be alive and Christians. I remember when I was first saved back in the late 1970s, many Christians used to be fired up about their faith. It was not for nothing because there was a realization that things were happening prophetically and a real expectation that Jesus was coming soon. That was many years ago and here we are that much closer to our Lord’s return, but I fear that the fire of expectation and perseverance has gone out in many believers. Let’s not allow that to be the situation among us and those we minister to. Hebrews 10:23-25 reminds us to hold fast in the confession of our hope, stir up love, and do this all the more as we see the Day approaching.
We have covered a lot of ground regarding God’s divine providence in our lives, so I want to encourage you to persevere in these exciting days we live in. We can rest assured that we are exactly where God wanted us to be in human history. We know He is very involved in our daily lives as believers because we sense His providential hand guiding us through the Holy Spirit. Knowing this, we can do what the Bible says regarding living our days out for His glory. The words abide and endure are used numerous times throughout scripture to stir us to live for Him. The perseverance of the Saints is a common theme throughout the New Testament, particularly as Jesus warns the churches to finish well as He does in Revelation Chapters 2 and 3 and Revelation 14:12.
I want to remind you to be encouraged and to encourage others in the church. This is especially important in the days we live in because there seem to be many discouraged Christians due to the current crisis with Covid19. I understand this because I think we all desperately miss in-person fellowship and interaction with other believers. The discouragement can be compounded, as many of us are used to being able to evangelize, disciple, and minister to others face to face. I’ve asked the Lord to help me with my own discouragement and during my study and prayer, I came to the conclusion that this is a time of preparation. We might be limited logistically right now, but what an opportune time to prepare for the challenging days ahead in both study and prayer. Isaiah 40:31 reminds us to wait upon the Lord and He will bring renewal.
I wish I could encourage you with news of a great coming revival or that the church will see great days ahead, but that’s not what the Bible teaches. Jesus, the Prophets, and the Apostles warn us about the days leading up to the return of our Lord. Jesus told us the world would hate us. Paul told us the time is coming when people won’t endure sound doctrine. Peter told us that people would become scoffers. We are told that lawlessness will increase and deceivers will even come from within. This is not the time to sit back and relax or be an apathetic Christian. So the encouragement I want to give you is to understand the time we live in and to persevere under God’s providential hand in our time, even in these times of trouble. Romans 5:3-5
Don’t be afraid of the words and threats from the woke cancel culture that seeks to bring everyone who opposes them into compliance, including Christians. James 1:12 This is the time to be a bold loving witness for Jesus and His gospel. There is a remnant of true Christians who are pointing people to the only source of lasting peace, which is found in Jesus and His gospel. Like all of the saints of old, we must decide to persevere and finish well.
Dear Christian Brothers and Sisters, remember that God controls time and most importantly, our times. What a time to be a disciple of Jesus and to do His will. We aren’t called to blend in, go along with the crowd, or hide under the radar. We must be salt and light in a dark generation that needs hope. God bless you, your walk, and your ministry to others as you redeem the time because the days are evil and we have but little time left to work. Ephesians 5:16
All for Him,
Howard
