GOD'S LOVE LETTER - The Book of Esther Pt 2 - The Providence of God

Definition - From the word 'provide'/ carefully preparing for future needs/ wise economical use of resources/ so lucky that it seems planned in advance by a greater power/ a caring force providing for mankind/ a perpetual evolution of good results in our lives no matter what happens to us.

Scripture - Romans 8:28 - 39

1.  Have your eyes been opened to the providence of God on your life?

• Flavel - "He who observes providence will never be long without providence to observe"
• God's people were in distress, BUT wisdom can bring good out of evil, "even as a chemist distills healing drugs from poisonous plants".
• You have to stand before you can walk, eg, baby to toddler - 
• Romans 5:2, "We have access by faith into this grace in which we now STAND"
• 2 Corinthians 5:7, "Walk by faith, not by sight"
• Seeing and experiencing GRACE = providence gives you the confidence to walk by faith when you are in distress until providence breaks your way!

2.  Where has life positioned you in this season?

• That is the providence of God - ask Him to open your eyes to it.
• You may prefer a different position or circumstance but serve God where you are and see what happens.
• God has his AGENTS (you) hidden in fitting places for doing his work - sometimes you're a lamp hanging in a dark place - shine there.
• Providence doesn't mean God does it all and you do nothing.
• He calls us to be active - Esther 4:14, "If you remain silent, deliverance will arise from another place"
• God's methods are men.
• Note that prayer and fasting featured prominently in this story.

3.  God in His providence lets His people go through trials:

• We are sons and daughters, not bastards - Good parents discipline sinful children.
• Even Esther has to 'risk death' in approaching the king.
• If you have a high position, it's not for ease but for purpose.
• Gold isn't known as real gold until after it is tested in the crucible.
• God is able to test us in the fire (with a peaceful heart) because He knows that the metal He has made us from CAN ENDURE and pass the test and be transformed into what He made us to be by being in the fire.
• The wicked carry within them the weapons of their own destruction.
• Haman, in his HASTE to do evil to Mordecai, built the gallows and rushed in too early after the kings disturbing sleep, and is asked the fatal question. 
• Million to one chance that the king should end up reading the story of Mordecai the night before his intended hanging.

Conclusion: 

• God's wisdom is seen - when you look back on your life since salvation and see His design.
• Rejoice that your God sits on the throne.
• Rejoice that in the end the Lord achieves total defeat of His foes and total safety and sustenance for His people.