The book of Esther is one that does not mention the name of God, but his fingerprints are throughout.

God does not need to sound an alarm when he speaks. But he can. He can speak in the quiet moments where his voice is soft. He can speak without making a sound. He does not need his name dropped to be effective.

In taking note of the obvious prints God left throughout Esther’s story, we see the providence of God. Providence is defined as the protective care of God. It is something we sometimes may not see as we are in the hardship, but if we can remember the character of God, and remember that his character is never changing, we can have hope. A hope that is bigger than ourselves and our situation is priceless.

Hope. Over and over, God works and makes good out of bad situations. “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭

He is a God that is multifaceted. We could never know all of who he is or all of what he has for us, but like Esther, we can trust and obey. At the end of the day if we can say, “If I perish, I perish,” as Esther did, we can call that a win as this type of response indicates a heart set towards God.

“If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die.” So Mordecai went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.” Esther‬ ‭4‬:‭14‬-‭17‬ ‭

Esther’s response reminds me of Shadrach Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace. They knew death was a possibility, but they also knew the God they served was able to deliver them. They stepped out, or were pushed into, a fire that was so hot it burnt the soldiers around them, but they were not touched by it.

“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”” Daniel‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭

This is the character of God.

He absolutely sets us where we are supposed to be. We can be so secure in him that nothing can touch us. Even the flames of a furnace set by those who are out to destroy us.

To read and study the Bible is to learn of the character of God. In learning his character, we can apply it to our own lives. If he did something for one, he will do it for another. If he delivered the Jews from their enemy, Haman, he will see us through our trials.