Introduction

Good morning, dear friends. Isn't it a blessing that we are gathered here today, in the shared spirit of fellowship and faith, to dive into the depths of God's Word? And today, we find ourselves drawn to the book of Esther, a tale of courage, faith, and divine providence.

But before we begin, let's take a moment to consider a profound thought from the great preacher, Charles Spurgeon. He once said, "God is too good to be unkind and He is too wise to be mistaken. And when we cannot trace His hand, we must trust His heart." Isn't it comforting to know that our God is not only all-knowing but also all-loving? That even when we can't understand His plans, we can trust His heart?

Now, let's turn our hearts and minds to the Scripture for today. It's from the book of Esther, Chapter 4, Verse 14. It reads, "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" What a powerful verse! It speaks of God's providence, His purposeful placement, and the need for prayerful courage.

You see, friends, our God is a master weaver. He weaves every strand of our lives into a magnificent tapestry of His grand design. And just like Esther, each of us is positioned in our unique circumstances for His divine purpose.

So, as we prepare to delve into this beautiful and profound passage, let's bow our heads in a word of prayer. Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for gathering us here today. We thank you for your Word, which is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. We ask that you open our hearts and minds to the truths you have for us today. Help us to understand your divine providence, to see the purpose in our positioning, and to have the courage to live out your will in our lives. We ask all this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

Transition. Now, let's turn our attention to the first main point of our sermon today, 'Providence in Positioning.'

Providence in Positioning

When we consider the unfolding of Esther's story, we see a young woman, seemingly insignificant, suddenly thrust into a position of great influence. She was an orphan, raised by her cousin Mordecai, and yet she found herself chosen to be the queen of Persia. This wasn't a random occurrence or a stroke of good luck. It was a divine arrangement, a strategic placement by God for a specific purpose.

Esther's position as queen wasn't just about the crown on her head or the royal robes she wore. It was about the opportunity she had to make a difference, to save her people from annihilation. She was in the palace, not by chance, but by divine design. God, in His infinite wisdom and sovereignty, had positioned her for such a time as this.

This brings us to the first aspect of providence in positioning. God positions us in specific places at specific times for specific purposes. He is the master strategist, the divine chess player, moving us to where we need to be to fulfill His plans. Whether it's in a palace or a pit, a mansion or a manger, a boardroom or a backstreet, God positions us where we can best serve His purposes.

Next is that God equips us for our positions. When Esther was chosen as queen, she didn't have any royal training or experience. She was just a young Jewish girl. But God equipped her with beauty, grace, wisdom, and courage. He gave her favor in the eyes of the king and the wisdom to navigate the treacherous waters of the royal court. God doesn't just position us; He prepares us. He gives us the skills, abilities, and resources we need to fulfill our divine assignments.

Thirdly, God's positioning often involves challenges and difficulties. Esther's position as queen wasn't easy. She faced the risk of death if she approached the king uninvited. She had to muster the courage to speak up and take action. But through these challenges, Esther's faith was strengthened, her character was refined, and her dependence on God was deepened. God's positioning isn't always comfortable, but it's always purposeful.

The fourth aspect of providence in positioning is that God's positioning is for the benefit of others. Esther's position as queen wasn't for her own comfort or pleasure. It was for the salvation of her people. She was positioned to intercede, to advocate, to fight for her people. God positions us not just for our own benefit but for the benefit of others. We are blessed to be a blessing.

Transition. So, as we reflect on Esther's story and the providence in her positioning, let's remember that God is at work in our own lives. He is positioning us, equipping us, challenging us, and using us for His glory and the good of others. Let's embrace our positions, whatever they may be, and trust that God is weaving a beautiful tapestry of His divine design.

Purposeful Placement for His Purpose

As we continue to reflect on the life of Esther, we see that her royal position was not a random occurrence ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO