Faithfulness in Silence: The Story of Esther

Summary

The story of Esther opens with a scene that feels almost like a soap opera—full of drama, intrigue, and unexpected turns. King Xerxes, ruling over a vast Persian empire, throws an extravagant 180-day banquet, only for it to end in controversy when Queen Vashti refuses his humiliating command to display her beauty before his drunken guests. Her refusal leads to her removal as queen, setting the stage for Esther’s rise. What’s striking about the book of Esther is that God is never mentioned by name, yet His presence is woven throughout the narrative. This absence invites us to consider how God works behind the scenes, even when we don’t see or hear Him directly.

Esther, a young Jewish woman orphaned at a young age and raised by her cousin Mordecai, is swept into the king’s search for a new queen. Despite being exiles in a foreign land, both Esther and Mordecai find favor in unexpected places. Their story is not one of overt miracles or clear divine instructions, but of ordinary people making wise, courageous choices in difficult circumstances. Mordecai’s guidance and Esther’s willingness to listen and act with integrity become central to their journey. Even as Esther ascends to the throne, her character remains unchanged—she continues to do the next right thing, regardless of her status or the uncertainty of her situation.

The narrative reminds us that faithfulness is often about making the best decisions we can with the opportunities before us, even when God’s voice seems silent. Esther and Mordecai’s steadfastness and integrity ultimately position them to play a pivotal role in the salvation of their people. Their story challenges us to trust that God is at work, even when His hand is hidden, and to remain faithful in our character and choices. As we reflect on their journey, we are encouraged to trust God’s providence, to value the influence of godly mentors, and to recognize that our ordinary decisions can have extraordinary impact when we walk in faith.

Key Takeaways

- God’s Presence in the Silence
Even though God is never mentioned by name in the book of Esther, His providence is evident in the unfolding events. This challenges us to trust that God is present and active, even when we don’t see clear signs or hear His voice. Our faith is often tested in seasons of silence, but God’s hand is still guiding our steps behind the scenes. [01:58]

- The Power of Character Over Circumstance
Esther and Mordecai’s integrity remains steadfast despite dramatic changes in their circumstances. Whether in obscurity or in positions of influence, they consistently choose to do the next right thing. True character is not shaped by power or status, but revealed by how we respond to both adversity and opportunity. [18:52]

- Faithfulness in the Ordinary
Neither Esther nor Mordecai receive direct revelations or miraculous signs; instead, they make wise choices with the information and opportunities they have. This teaches us that faithfulness is often about small, everyday decisions rather than grand gestures. God honors those who walk in obedience, even when the path is unclear. [14:46]

- The Influence of Godly Mentorship
Mordecai’s role in Esther’s life is crucial—he provides wisdom, guidance, and support, shaping her character and decisions. This highlights the importance of surrounding ourselves with mentors who point us toward wisdom and faithfulness. God often speaks and works through the counsel of others in our lives. [13:53]

- Trusting God’s Timing and Placement
Esther’s rise to queenship is not the result of her own ambition, but of being in the right place at the right time, prepared by her character and choices. God’s providence often places us in situations for purposes we may not immediately understand. Our responsibility is to remain faithful and trust that God can use our circumstances for His greater plan. [21:51]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:42] - Soap Operas and the Drama of Esther
[01:58] - God’s Name Missing, But Not His Presence
[03:34] - King Xerxes’ Flawed Leadership
[05:03] - Queen Vashti’s Refusal and Consequences
[06:49] - The Spectacle of Disobedience
[08:10] - Esther and Mordecai Introduced
[10:15] - Esther’s Unlikely Path to Queenship
[11:11] - The Importance of Family and Adoption
[12:03] - Esther Finds Favor
[13:01] - Esther’s Humanity and Mordecai’s Wisdom
[14:46] - Doing the Next Right Thing
[16:19] - Mordecai Uncovers a Plot
[17:51] - Exile, Danger, and Opportunity
[18:52] - Character in Changing Circumstances
[19:38] - The Impact of Integrity
[20:55] - Esther’s Role in God’s Plan
[21:51] - Trusting God’s Hidden Hand
[23:12] - Prayer and Closing Reflections

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Esther – God’s Hidden Hand

---

### Bible Reading

Esther 1:1–2:20 (ESV)
*(You may want to read the full passage together, or select key verses such as Esther 1:10-22 and 2:5-20.)*

---

### Observation Questions

1. What was King Xerxes’ reason for removing Queen Vashti from her position, and how did this decision affect the rest of the story? [[05:03]]
2. How is Esther introduced in the story, and what do we learn about her background and family? [[11:11]]
3. What role does Mordecai play in Esther’s life, and how does he influence her decisions? [[13:53]]
4. In the first two chapters of Esther, is there any mention of God’s name or direct intervention? What stands out about this? [[01:58]]

---

### Interpretation Questions

1. The book of Esther never mentions God by name, yet the sermon suggests His presence is woven throughout the story. What might be the purpose of God’s “hiddenness” in this narrative? [[01:58]]
2. Esther and Mordecai are described as making wise, courageous choices without clear direction from God. What does this suggest about how God might guide people in times of uncertainty? [[14:46]]
3. The sermon highlights that Esther’s character remains unchanged even as her circumstances change. Why is this significant for her role in God’s plan? [[18:52]]
4. Mordecai’s mentorship is described as crucial for Esther. What does this reveal about the importance of godly mentors in our own faith journeys? [[13:53]]

---

### Application Questions

1. The sermon describes seasons when God seems silent or absent. Can you recall a time in your life when you didn’t sense God’s presence, but looking back, you can see how He was at work? How did that experience shape your faith? [[01:58]]
2. Esther and Mordecai “just continually do the next right thing” even when the path isn’t clear. What is one area in your life right now where you need to take the next right step, even if you don’t have all the answers? [[14:46]]
3. Esther’s character didn’t change when she gained power or influence. Are there areas in your life where you’re tempted to compromise your integrity because of changing circumstances? How can you remain faithful in those situations? [[18:52]]
4. Mordecai’s wisdom and guidance helped shape Esther’s decisions. Who are the mentors or voices of wisdom in your life? How can you intentionally seek out or strengthen those relationships? [[13:53]]
5. The story of Esther shows that God can use ordinary people and everyday decisions for extraordinary purposes. What is one “ordinary” decision you’re facing this week that could have a bigger impact than you realize? [[14:46]]
6. Esther was placed in a unique position “for such a time as this.” Where has God placed you right now—at work, in your family, in your community—that might be part of His bigger plan? [[21:51]]
7. The sermon mentions that faithfulness is often about small, everyday choices rather than grand gestures. What is one small act of faithfulness you can commit to this week? [[14:46]]

---

Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray for trust in God’s hidden hand, courage to do the next right thing, and faithfulness in both ordinary and challenging circumstances.

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Presence Even When Unseen
Even though God is never mentioned by name in the book of Esther, His hand is evident throughout the story, guiding events and people even when His presence is not obvious. In our own lives, there are seasons when God seems silent or hidden, yet He is still at work behind the scenes, orchestrating circumstances for our good and His purposes. Trusting in God’s unseen presence can be challenging, but it is in these moments that faith grows deeper, knowing that He is always with us, even when we do not feel or see Him directly. [01:58]

Esther 1:1-2, 1:7-9 (ESV)
Now in the days of Ahasuerus, the Ahasuerus who reigned from India to Ethiopia over 127 provinces, in those days when King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne in Susa, the citadel... Drinks were served in golden vessels, vessels of different kinds, and the royal wine was lavished according to the bounty of the king. And drinking was according to this edict: “There is no compulsion.” For the king had given orders to all the staff of his palace to do as each man desired. Queen Vashti also gave a feast for the women in the palace that belonged to King Ahasuerus.

Reflection: When have you felt God was silent or absent in your life? How might you look back and see His hand at work in those times?


Day 2: Doing the Next Right Thing
Esther and Mordecai did not receive clear, miraculous instructions from God, but they continually chose to do the next right thing in difficult circumstances. Even in exile, surrounded by uncertainty and danger, they acted with integrity and wisdom, trusting that small faithful steps matter. When you are unsure of God’s will or feel lost, focus on doing the next right thing—making choices that honor God and reflect His character, even if you don’t see the full picture yet. [14:46]

Esther 2:19-20 (ESV)
Now when the virgins were gathered together the second time, Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate. Esther had not made known her kindred or her people, as Mordecai had commanded her, for Esther obeyed Mordecai just as when she was brought up by him.

Reflection: What is one “next right thing” you can do today, even if you don’t know what the future holds?


Day 3: Character Remains in Changing Circumstances
Esther’s rise to power did not change her character; she remained humble, faithful, and true to her upbringing, even as she became queen. True character is revealed not just in hardship, but also in how we handle success, influence, or new opportunities. No matter what changes around you—whether you gain more responsibility, recognition, or resources—let your character remain rooted in God’s values and love for others. [19:38]

Proverbs 4:23 (ESV)
Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

Reflection: In what area of your life are you tempted to compromise your character when circumstances change? How can you guard your heart today?


Day 4: God Uses Ordinary People for Extraordinary Purposes
Esther and Mordecai were ordinary people—exiles in a foreign land—yet God used their faithfulness and courage to save an entire nation. You do not have to be perfect, powerful, or prominent for God to use you; He delights in working through those who are willing to trust Him and step into the opportunities He provides. Your story, your background, and your daily choices can have a far-reaching impact when surrendered to God’s purposes. [20:55]

1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV)
But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.

Reflection: Where do you feel “ordinary” or inadequate? How might God want to use you right where you are?


Day 5: Trusting God’s Faithfulness in Uncertain Times
Even when the future was uncertain and danger was imminent, Esther and Mordecai trusted that God was working for their good and the good of their people. Their story reminds us that God is faithful, loving, and sovereign, even when we cannot see the outcome. In times of uncertainty, hold fast to the truth that God is present, He loves you, and He is working all things together for good—even when you don’t understand how. [24:50]

Romans 8:28 (ESV)
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Reflection: What is one area of uncertainty in your life right now? How can you entrust it to God’s faithful care today?

Quotes

You're presented with opportunities. And even if you don't hear God saying clearly, yes, this is your, my will for you. This is what you are to do next. They continue to do the next right thing. [00:15:16] (19 seconds)  #FaithWithoutClearDirection Edit Clip

You don't hear that God is making this happen. You don't hear that in moments of question that they're going to God and saying, God, I need to know right now. Fall on my knees. Pray every 30 minutes. Pray, come to the scriptures and read what the scriptures have to say. You don't hear that. They make the best decisions for themselves. It's an odd place for it to be. But the most important thing that I see out of that is that their character doesn't change. Just because Esther becomes the queen, her character doesn't change. She continues to do the next right thing. [00:18:52] (46 seconds)  #SavingThroughSteadfastness Edit Clip

We're going to see, as the story unfolds, how important it is that Esther is placed into the spot. We're going to see that the wisdom from Mordecai, that she continues to listen to her cousin, that they're able to save an entire people because their character doesn't flaw. Because as they grow in power, because as they grow in stature within their community, their character remains the same. That's such an important part of who it is. [00:19:38] (48 seconds)  #InvisibleHandOfGod Edit Clip

And she's able to use her life in such a powerful way, not only for herself, not only for Mordecai, but for all of the Jews that are in exile. She's able to save them from elimination. Truly. [00:21:05] (19 seconds)  #OpportunityWithIntegrity Edit Clip

So as we continue on through this, we're going to notice as we go through, there's no mention of God. None. But yet, as we look back, we see over and over that God's hand was covering the situation. And they trusted in Him, even though it wasn't in the front of their mind. But God loves His people, and even in a situation where it doesn't seem possible to get out of, God is there. [00:21:26] (38 seconds)  #FaithInUnseenLove Edit Clip

You don't always hear the audible, yes, this is my will. You don't always hear, go forth and do this because this is what God wants of you. He said, more often than not, though, if it is not God's will, you'll hear that. There will be resistances. There will be places in which we try and push our own agenda through forward, and you're met with resistance after resistance. [00:22:29] (29 seconds) Edit Clip

Esther allowed the opportunity that was given to her. She put herself into a spot that she could do what we're going to see happens next. And she did so with a character of God's heart. [00:23:00] (17 seconds) Edit Clip

``But what we notice more than anything is that when we place our faith in you, we see who you are and even when we don't see you on a daily basis, I know that you are there. To continue in doing the right things, to move forward in life and put yourself in a position to save those around us. Though I don't always see you, though I don't always feel you, I know that you are there. Whatever place I find myself in today, I know that you are there. [00:23:38] (55 seconds) Edit Clip

But regardless of whether I feel you or see you, I know that you love me. I know that you work all things for your good. Thank you for the story of who Esther is and all that she is about to do. [00:24:43] (21 seconds) Edit Clip