Finding God in Darkness: The Story of Esther

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Presence in Unexpected Places

Even when God seems absent or unnamed, His fingerprints are present in our lives, working behind the scenes in ways we may not immediately recognize. The story of Esther reminds us that God can find us wherever we are, even in the darkest or most unlikely circumstances, and that He is actively involved in our story, orchestrating events for our good and His purposes. No matter how far we feel from Him, or how hidden He may seem, we are never truly alone—He is always near, inviting us to trust Him even when we cannot see Him clearly. [22:58]

Esther 3:1-6 (ESV)
After these things King Ahasuerus promoted Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, and advanced him and set his throne above all the officials who were with him. And all the king’s servants who were at the king’s gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman, for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage. Then the king’s servants who were at the king’s gate said to Mordecai, “Why do you transgress the king’s command?” And when they spoke to him day after day and he would not listen to them, they told Haman, in order to see whether Mordecai’s words would stand, for he had told them that he was a Jew. And when Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage to him, Haman was filled with fury. But he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone. So, as they had made known to him the people of Mordecai, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews, the people of Mordecai, throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus.

Reflection: Where in your life do you feel God is absent or silent, and how might you look for His fingerprints in those places today?

Day 2: True Safety Comes from Trusting God

Our sense of safety is not rooted in external circumstances—wealth, status, or location—but in trusting God, especially when we feel threatened or insecure. The world’s systems and securities can vanish in a moment, but God invites us to place our confidence in Him, knowing that He is sovereign over every crisis and that His presence is our true refuge. When we face situations where the wrong people are in power or when leadership seems indifferent, we are called to trust God’s care and providence above all else. [29:45]

Psalm 46:1-3 (ESV)
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

Reflection: What is one area where you are relying on something other than God for your sense of safety, and how can you intentionally shift your trust to Him today?

Day 3: God’s Sovereignty Over History and Timing

God’s providence is seen in the timing of events, even when evil seems to be prevailing; He is never caught off guard and is always working out His purposes, sometimes through delays or reversals that only make sense in hindsight. The casting of lots in Esther, meant to determine the Jews’ destruction, instead becomes a means for God to provide time and ultimately deliverance, showing that what appears to be chance is under His sovereign control. We are reminded that God’s plans cannot be thwarted by human schemes, and that He is always at work, even in the waiting. [47:47]

Proverbs 16:33 (ESV)
The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.

Reflection: Can you recall a time when a delay or unexpected turn in your life later revealed God’s providence? How might you trust His timing in your current situation?

Day 4: Remembering God’s Faithfulness Builds Confidence for Today

Looking back and recognizing God’s fingerprints in our past gives us confidence to face present crises, knowing that He has prepared and equipped us for what we encounter now. Even when we struggle to sense His nearness, we can trust that He is fully present and has been actively shaping our story, weaving together moments that enable us to stand firm in faith today. By slowing down and reflecting on His past faithfulness, we find hope and courage for whatever challenges lie ahead. [01:01:42]

Deuteronomy 7:9 (ESV)
Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations.

Reflection: Take a few minutes to look back over your life—what are two or three specific ways you can see God’s faithfulness preparing you for your current season?

Day 5: Our Identity and Security Are Rooted in God’s Love

We are safe not because of our circumstances, but because we are loved by God, who knows our future and has His fingerprints on our story long before we encounter any crisis. Our worth and security are not based on our performance, appearance, or the approval of others, but on the unchanging love and presence of God, who invites us to trust Him even when we feel unworthy or afraid. In Christ, we are never alone, always loved, and eternally secure, no matter what we face. [01:03:58]

Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Reflection: In what practical way can you remind yourself today that your identity and safety are anchored in God’s love, not in your circumstances or achievements?

Sermon Summary

The story of Esther invites us to wrestle with the question: Where is God when life feels dark, confusing, or even dangerous? The book of Esther is unique in that God’s name is never mentioned, nor is prayer or the Torah, yet His fingerprints are everywhere in the narrative. This is a powerful reminder that even when God seems absent, He is actively present, working behind the scenes for the good of His people.

Tracing the history leading up to Esther, we see a people who have lost their land, their temple, and their sovereignty. Many Jews remained in Persia, thriving and comfortable, even after some returned to Jerusalem. The question for them—and for us—is whether God can find us in places where we feel far from Him, or even when we feel we don’t deserve His presence. Esther’s story answers with a resounding yes: God is present even in the most unexpected places and seasons.

A major theme in Esther is reversal. The narrative is full of moments where the trajectory seems set for disaster, only for God to turn things around in surprising ways. The promotion of Haman, an enemy of the Jews, and his plot to annihilate them, sets the stage for a crisis that seems insurmountable. Yet, even in the timing of events—such as the casting of lots during Passover, the festival of deliverance—God’s providence is evident. The delay between the decree and its execution gives God’s people time to respond, and ultimately, what was meant for their destruction becomes a celebration of God’s faithfulness.

The story also challenges us to consider what we trust for our safety. Earthly securities—wealth, status, or location—can vanish in a moment. True safety is found in God’s presence and sovereignty, not in external circumstances. When leadership is corrupt or indifferent, when conspiracies arise, or when we feel threatened and alone, we are invited to look for God’s fingerprints in our story. Reflecting on how God has been faithful in the past gives us confidence to trust Him in the present crisis.

Ultimately, our safety is rooted in the reality that we are not alone, we are loved, and God knows our future. Even when we cannot see or feel Him, He is with us, inviting us to trust Him in the darkness. The story of Esther calls us to slow down, remember God’s faithfulness, and trust that His providence is at work, even when the world is in confusion.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Presence in Hiddenness: Even when God seems absent—when His name isn’t mentioned and His ways are not obvious—He is still present and active. The book of Esther demonstrates that God’s providence often works behind the scenes, orchestrating events for our good even when we cannot perceive Him. Trusting in His hidden presence is an act of faith that sustains us in seasons of uncertainty. [22:58]
2. The Danger of False Security: We often look to external things—money, status, health, or location—for our sense of safety. Yet, these can be stripped away in an instant. True security is not found in what we possess or where we live, but in the unchanging character and presence of God, who holds our future and is sovereign over every circumstance. [28:12]
3. The Power of Remembering God’s Faithfulness: When facing crisis or confusion, it is vital to slow down and reflect on how God has been faithful in our past. Remembering His “fingerprints” in previous seasons gives us confidence to trust Him in the present, even when the path ahead is unclear. This practice of remembrance is a spiritual discipline that anchors our faith. [61:42]
4. God’s Sovereignty Over Human Evil: The story of Haman’s plot against the Jews reveals that even the most malicious human schemes cannot thwart God’s redemptive purposes. God’s sovereignty means that He can turn the very instruments of evil—like the casting of lots—into means of deliverance and celebration for His people. Our hope is not in the absence of evil, but in God’s ability to redeem and reverse it. [43:49]
5. Trusting God in the Dark: Seasons of darkness, confusion, or threat are invitations to deeper trust. God may not act according to our expectations, and His presence may not always be felt, but He is always with us. In these times, we are called to abide, to look for His fingerprints, and to trust that He is preparing us for the crisis at hand, equipping us with His presence and past faithfulness. [01:03:58]
** [63:58]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[20:07] - Introduction: Trusting God Beyond Knowledge
[22:58] - Exile and the Background of Esther
[25:16] - The Prosperity and Comfort of the Exiles
[28:12] - What Does It Mean to Be Safe?
[29:45] - Trusting God When Threatened
[31:57] - Key Characters and the Theme of Reversal
[34:20] - Ancient Feuds: Benjamites and Agagites
[38:03] - Haman’s Ambition and Mordecai’s Defiance
[40:39] - The Roots of Mordecai’s Stand
[42:04] - Haman’s Plot and God’s Intervention
[43:49] - God’s Sovereignty Over Evil
[45:10] - The Casting of Lots and the Gift of Time
[47:47] - Passover, Providence, and Waiting
[49:54] - Haman’s Manipulation and the King’s Indifference
[53:31] - A Nation Without Land: Jewish Identity in Exile
[55:19] - Wordplay, Deception, and the Cost of Hatred
[57:24] - The Edict and the Looming Crisis
[59:24] - Confusion in the City: When Leadership Fails
[61:42] - Remembering God’s Fingerprints
[63:58] - Questions for Reflection and Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Esther 3:1-15 — (This is the main passage for the sermon and study.)

Observation Questions

In Esther 3, who are the main characters involved in the crisis, and what roles do they play in the unfolding events?
What specific actions does Haman take after Mordecai refuses to bow to him, and how does he persuade the king to go along with his plan?
What is the significance of the timing of Haman’s decree, especially in relation to the Jewish festival of Passover?
How does the city of Susa react to the king’s decree, and what does this reveal about the atmosphere in the kingdom?

Interpretation Questions

The book of Esther never mentions God’s name, prayer, or the Torah, yet the sermon says God’s “fingerprints” are everywhere. What are some examples of God working behind the scenes in Esther 3, and why might God choose to work this way?
The sermon highlights the theme of “reversal” in Esther. How does the promotion of Haman and the later rise of Mordecai illustrate this theme? What does this say about God’s sovereignty over human plans?
Haman’s plot is set in motion by casting lots (pur). How does the outcome of this “chance” event actually serve God’s purposes, and what does this teach about God’s control over seemingly random or evil events?
The sermon points out that the Jews in Persia were comfortable and prosperous, yet still vulnerable. What does this suggest about the reliability of earthly security compared to God’s protection?

Application Questions

The sermon asks, “Why do you think you’re safe? What are you basing that on?” Take a moment to honestly assess: What do you most often look to for your sense of safety—money, status, relationships, health, or something else? How would your life look different if your security was rooted in God’s presence instead?
When have you experienced a season where God felt absent or silent? Looking back, can you now see any of His “fingerprints” in that time? How does remembering God’s past faithfulness help you trust Him in current uncertainty?
The story of Esther shows God working in hidden ways, even when His name isn’t mentioned. Are there areas in your life right now where you struggle to see God at work? What would it look like to trust Him in the “hiddenness”?
The Jews were given almost a year between the decree and its execution—a time of waiting and uncertainty. How do you typically respond to seasons of waiting or looming crisis? What spiritual practices help you stay anchored in God’s faithfulness during those times?
The sermon challenges us to “look for God’s fingerprints” in our story. What is one practical way you can slow down this week to reflect on where God has been at work in your life, even if it wasn’t obvious at the time?
When leadership is corrupt or indifferent, as with King Ahasuerus, it can be easy to feel powerless or afraid. How do you respond when those in authority seem to make decisions that threaten your well-being or values? How can you seek God’s wisdom and courage in those moments?
The sermon says, “We are not alone, we are loved, and God knows our future.” Which of these truths is hardest for you to believe right now, and why? What would help you embrace it more fully?

Sermon Clips

When we're confused and when others conspire, we must take God into account. Look for his thumbprints. Look for his fingerprints. Is he here? Where is he? We are not alone. We're loved for not just what we look like, but for who we are. And so we're safe. [01:00:22] (18 seconds) Edit Clip

Even when we struggle to hear or feel God's nearness, He is still fully present within us. We never need to get back to God who is over there. He's always with us. We only need to trust this truth even when our feelings struggle to take it in. [01:02:34] (17 seconds) Edit Clip

He's interested in us trusting Him, and that means He's going to put us in seasons like the book of Esther where I don't see Him. He's not doing what I think He should be doing, okay? And yet if we slow down, take in His Word, think about the past, we can maybe see His fingerprints, okay? [01:03:07] (18 seconds) Edit Clip

Why am I safe? I'm safe because I am not alone. That was chapter 1. I am loved, chapter 2, and God knows my future and has His fingerprints on my story long before I encounter a crisis. That gives us hope. [01:03:31] (17 seconds) Edit Clip

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What does the book of Esther reveal about God's hidden presence?

How can believers recognize God's fingerprints during crises?

Why is trusting God's sovereignty crucial in uncertain times?