Bible Reading Plan | Devotion for the week of May 23, 2021

Weekly reading: Esther 1-5; Psalm 21-22
Passages referenced: Esther 4:14; Psalm 22:9-10;
Romans 8:28; Philippians 1:6; 2:13

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. – Philippians1:6

For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
– Philippians 2:13

What’s my purpose in this life? How many of us have asked that question, either to ourselves or to God? I know I have many times. We know we’re each given special gifts and talents to use for the Lord’s purposes, but discovering what those are and what to do with them can be difficult.

Esther was a woman of great outward beauty, which helped her seal the role as queen to King Xerxes, but her inward strength and faith in God were what helped truly set her apart. The Lord established Queen Esther on her throne for more than just looking beautiful next to King Xerxes. He had a very real and purposeful plan for her.

Esther had the esteemed title of queen and access to so much, but she still had doubts and discouragements like any of us. When she heard of Haman’s plan to annihilate the Jews (Esther’s people), her cousin Mordecai helped convince her to take a stand against his evil plan. He reminded her of her current role as queen and the standing she had with King Xerxes. “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14) Mordecai also made it clear in his message to Esther that God’s plan would prevail, whether or not she decided to participate in it.

This is such an important and timely reminder for us as well. We are called to be a part of God’s great plans, and they will be fulfilled even if we choose to sit on the sidelines. God, however, wants us to participate fully. We are given our positions in life “for such a time as this,” and it’s up to us to trust God to help us use them wisely.

David reminds us in the Psalms that God sets us apart, and we can trust in Him and His purpose for our lives. “Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast. From birth I was cast on you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God.” (Psalm 22:9-10)

God is good, and His purposes for each of us are good. God’s plans will always prevail; we just need to trust in Him above all else. The things God chooses for us are ALWAYS for our benefit and to fulfill His kingdom purposes. We can have faith in that, even when we question and doubt what God’s purpose for our life really is. As Paul teaches in Romans 8:28, “we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Brooke Price

• Check out The Bible Project’s overview video of the book of Esther. It is an excellent source for background information and context that walks through the book’s sections and themes. It can be really helpful for those who appreciate some visuals while learning.
• Do you have questions about this week’s Bible reading? We’d love to help! Rather than relying on the first thing you find on the internet, email us at biblequestions@warsaw.cc. We are more than happy to answer that nagging question you have, provide you with some clarity, or point you in the right direction for further study.