“The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she won grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.” (Esther 2:17 ESV).
The book of Esther is unique because the name of God is never mentioned, yet His sovereign hand is seen in every detail. When His people face persecution, they may feel abandoned, but in reality, He is quietly working behind the scenes. Esther, a Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, did not rise to royalty by chance. Esther was chosen by King Ahasuerus, called Xerxes in Greek, in what resembled a Persian beauty pageant. Yet she became queen not for her own glory, but for God’s purpose—to preserve His people from destruction.” Even her name points to her calling. Her Hebrew name, Hadassah, means “myrtle,” but her Persian name, Esther, means “star.” She would indeed shine like a star in the darkness of Persia, positioned by God for such a time as this.
We may never wear a royal crown, but God has given each of us positions of influence in our families, workplaces, neighborhoods, and communities. These roles are not accidents of chance but divine assignments of purpose. Have you ever stopped to consider why God has placed you where you are? What purpose might He have for you in your present circumstances? Like Esther, you may feel ordinary, but God has extraordinary plans to use you as His light in the lives of others. Perhaps your influence is meant to point someone to Christ today. Don’t underestimate the place where God has planted you. It may be for more than you think.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for reminding us that You are always at work, even when we cannot see Your hand. Help us to trust that our position and influence are not by accident but by Your purpose. Give us courage to use what You’ve given us for Your kingdom. Show us where we can shine today and how to reflect Your light in the places You have put us. In Jesus’ name, amen.