“Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” -2 Corinthians 12:8-9
Can I confess something to you? Just between us friends? I am on my fourth cup of coffee…Don’t judge me; it’s been a long week (it’s Wednesday).
This summer, I was believing God to provide in a big way. I reminded myself of his past faithfulness, agreed with others in prayer, and believed I had heard from the Lord that He would meet this need.
One night, I was struggling to go to sleep as “what-ifs”, and feelings of worry flooded my thoughts. I was restless and without peace. Rather than distracting myself with Netflix, I got out of bed and went to sit with the Lord. I journaled the simplest prayer, “Lord, I trust you, but, right now I need you to encourage my soul.”
I opened the Bible, awaiting the Lord’s response. I was planning to turn to the Psalms where I often receive great encouragement, when I opened to the book of Esther. Sensing there may be a reason for this, I began to read Esther 1, and wow, talk about a word in season!
In chapter one, we are first introduced to King Ahasuerus who was throwing a feast for all of his officials and servants. The guest list for this party included “military leaders of Persia and Media, the princes, and the nobles of the provinces” (Esther 1:3b). This feast was seven days and was the continuation to 180 straight days of the king showing off his awesomeness.
At that time, Queen Vashti was hosting her own party for all the ladies. However, at the end of the seven days, King Ahasuerus decides to show off what he felt was very beautiful to “behold,” Queen Vashti in her royal crown.
When she refused, the king was furious and embarrassed. Those closest to King Ahasuerus essentially looked at him and said “So you just gon’ let her do you like that?” The Bible states King Ahasuerus’ response was to “give her royal position to another who is better than she” (Esther 1:19b). This is what opened the door for Esther, a beautiful Jewish girl whose influence as queen would lead to the rescue of God’s people.
After I read this, I was hit with the question “where was Esther in all of this?” I doubt she had any clue she’d end up as queen and the great impact she’d have on her people. I am sure she had no idea we’d be reading about her life thousands of years later.
And this is when the Lord spoke to my heart.
Through this story in chapter 1 of Esther, the Lord showed me how He is opening doors for us before we even have a clue we will need them. Before we even pray to God for something, I believe He is making moves to meet our needs, teach and grow us, and to use us in mighty ways for His kingdom.
“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” -Romans 5:8
In our greatest need, to be made right with the Lord and have relationship with Him, He pre-planned and set into motion the answer to this need. Friend, I do not know what you are going through right now. I am unaware of the healing, restoration, or answers to prayers you are waiting on. I may never know the dreams you are consistently bringing before the Lord, waiting on Him to bring them to pass. But one thing I am absolutely confident in is God’s undeniable faithfulness to meet all of your needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
Let me encourage you to be honest with the Lord. Ask Him to give you hope, strength, and grace in every season. Share your heart with a trusted mentor or friend who can pray with you as you hold on to the promises of our God. Press in.
He is faithful. He has opened doors before we ever knew we needed them. He will do it again.
[Tweet “He has opened doors before we ever knew we needed them.”]
The Lord was opening doors this summer I did not expect, and He provided in a big way! I am thankful for this, but honestly, I am more thankful for what I learned about His character in the waiting season.