Episode Details

Welcome to The Daily.

Today, I want to shout out Michael Meyer from Wichita, KS. Thanks for being a Project23 donor. We cannot do this without you. Read more about Project23.

Our text today is Esther 2:8-11

So when the king's order and his edict were proclaimed, and when many young women were gathered in Susa the citadel in custody of Hegai, Esther also was taken into the king's palace and put in custody of Hegai, who had charge of the women. And the young woman pleased him and won his favor. And he quickly provided her with her cosmetics and her portion of food, and with seven chosen young women from the king's palace, and advanced her and her young women to the best place in the harem. Esther had not made known her people or kindred, for Mordecai had commanded her not to make it known. And every day Mordecai walked in front of the court of the harem to learn how Esther was and what was happening to her. — Esther 2:8-11

Some seasons of our life don't ask for your permission. We are thrust into them.

Esther did not apply for a position in the palace. She was taken. A Jewish orphan living in exile, she was taken by a powerful emperor without knowing what would happen next. Her options were limited, her future uncertain, and her identity hidden.

Yet Esther found favor with Hegai, who provided for her and gave her the best available place in the harem. The system was still broken, but God had not lost sight of her within it.

God's providence does not mean everything that happens to us is good. It means nothing can place us beyond his reach.

Some situations we would never choose: an unexpected diagnosis, job loss, a broken marriage, a family crisis, or a decision made without our consent. We may ask, How do I get out of this?

Yes, sometimes leaving is right and required. Trusting God does not mean tolerating abuse, ignoring danger, or refusing help. But when we cannot immediately change our circumstances, we should ask a different question, one posed to Esther:

How can I honor God while I am here?

God rarely gives us the entire map. I wish he did. Usually what he does is show us the next faithful step: tell the truth, receive help, ask for wisdom, do today's work, and trust him with tomorrow.

Esther could not control the king's decree or the system surrounding her. But she could respond wisely and remain faithful with the choices still available to her.

Mordecai also reminds us that God's care often comes through people who cannot fix our situation but refuse to disappear. Every day, he walked near the court to learn how Esther was doing.

Jesus understands what it means to be handed over to powerful people. He willingly entered suffering and entrusted himself to the Father. He knows how to meet us when we feel powerless.

Esther did not yet know how God would use her position. She only knew where she was—and God was already there.

Today your circumstances may limit your options, but they cannot cancel God's presence. You may not be able to choose where you are today, but you can choose your next faithful step. So do that today.

Divide a page into two columns: What I Cannot Control and What I Can Do Faithfully. Surrender the first column to God, then act on one item in the second.

1. What situation did I not choose?
2. What can I still control?

3. Listen Now