The Hidden Hand of God

There are times in life when things feel like nothing more than a string of coincidences. Events unfold that seem random or out of place. Other times, life feels confusing. You look around and wonder, What on earth is going on? And then there are the quiet, aching seasons where you can’t help but ask, God, where are You in all of this?

The Book of Esther speaks right into these moments. It tells the story of a young Jewish woman named Esther, who rises to become queen of Persia during the reign of King Xerxes. When a plot arises rom Haman, a powerful official, to annihilate the Jewish people, Esther, encouraged by her cousin Mordecai, risks her life to reveal her Jewish identity and intercede with the king.

Strikingly, the Book of Esther the only book in the Bible where God’s name is never mentioned. At first, this might make the story feel strange. How can a book of Scripture leave Him out? Yet, the irony is that His hand is seen everywhere, hidden behind the scenes, arranging people and events in ways only He could.

Esther’s story reminds us that what may look like coincidence is often God’s providence. What feels like confusion is often God’s preparation. And what seems like His absence is, in reality, His presence working silently but powerfully.

Esther Becomes Queen: Positioned with Purpose

After Queen Vashti was banished, King Xerxes ordered that beautiful young women be gathered from across the empire so he could choose a new queen. Among the hundreds selected was Esther, a young Jewish woman raised by her cousin Mordecai. She didn’t volunteer for this role or enter a contest by choice. She was taken into the palace, placed in circumstances she hadn’t chosen but that God had divinely arranged. Following Mordecai’s counsel, Esther kept her Jewish identity hidden for five years, a wise and protective decision in a culture where prejudice still lingered. During her year of preparation, she found favour with everyone who saw her, including the king himself, and was ultimately crowned Queen of Persia. Though she may not have understood it then, Esther had been positioned by God in a place of influence that would one day save countless lives.

Mordecai Overhears a Plot: Coincidence or Providence?

While Esther settled into life in the palace, we see another glimpse of God’s hidden hand when Mordecai overheard a plot to assassinate King Xerxes (Esther 2:21–23). As he served at the king’s gate, Mordecai happened to overhear two of the king’s officials conspiring against him. What might have seemed like a mere coincidence was, in reality, divine positioning. God had placed Mordecai in the right place at the right time. Instead of ignoring what he heard or staying silent out of fear, Mordecai acted with courage and integrity. He told Esther, who reported it to the king, and the plot was stopped. Though nothing came of it immediately, this small act of faithfulness would later become a pivotal turning point in the story. One that revealed how God works through ordinary obedience to bring about extraordinary outcomes.

Esther’s Plan Unfolds: Divine Wisdom at Work

We see God’s hand again when Esther courageously forms a plan to save her people. Haman, a powerful official and descendant of the Amalekites, ancient enemies of Israel, became furious when Mordecai refused to bow to him and plotted to destroy all the Jews. When Mordecai learned of the plan, he urged Esther to act, reminding her that perhaps she had come to her royal position “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). Instead of panicking, Esther called for a three-day fast to seek God’s wisdom and favour. Afterward, she bravely approached the king, risking her life, and was received with favour. Yet, in divine wisdom, she waited to reveal Haman’s plot, inviting the king and Haman to a banquet instead, setting in motion the events that would ultimately lead to her people’s deliverance.

The King’s Sleepless Night: A Divine Interruption 

The next glimpse of God’s hidden hand comes when King Xerxes experiences a sleepless night (Esther 6). As Haman plotted to have Mordecai executed, God was quietly working behind the scenes. Unable to rest, the king ordered the royal records to be read and was reminded of Mordecai’s earlier act of loyalty in saving his life. Realizing Mordecai had never been rewarded, the king determined to honour him the very next morning. What seemed like a small coincidence was divine timing; God using a restless night to protect His servant and set in motion the events that would save His people.

The Great Reversal: From Destruction to Deliverance

The final place we see God’s hand is in the complete reversal of Haman’s plot (Esther 7–10). At the banquet, Esther exposed Haman’s scheme, and the king, realizing he had been deceived, was outraged. Haman had twisted the truth to make the Jews appear as a threat, but when the king discovered the plan would destroy both Queen Esther and Mordecai—two people he greatly respected—he acted immediately. Haman was executed on the very gallows he had built for Mordecai, and a new decree allowed the Jews to defend themselves. When the appointed day came, they triumphed over their enemies, and Mordecai was promoted to second in command, receiving Haman’s authority and estate. What began as a decree of destruction ended in deliverance—the people of God not only survived but were elevated, a clear display of God’s power to bring divine reversal.

Positioned on Purpose

Sometimes we find ourselves in places or seasons we never would have chosen. Yet, just like Esther, those very places can be the ones where God needs us most. Even when it feels uncomfortable or uncertain, we can trust that He is positioning us with purpose—arranging the details of our lives for His glory and our good.

Hidden for a Season

There are times when God calls us to be hidden, not out of fear, but out of obedience. Esther’s hidden identity wasn’t shame; it was strategy. Likewise, God may conceal us for a time to prepare and position us for a greater moment of influence. When we wait on His timing, the unveiling is always worth it.

God’s Plan Always Prevails

God sees the end from the beginning. Even when life feels confusing, He is behind the scenes, working all things together in perfect order. His providence always prevails, and when we live surrendered and obedient to Him, we can rest knowing that we are exactly where we need to be.

Strength for the Battle

Just as Esther faced an enemy determined to destroy her people, we too face a spiritual enemy who seeks to discourage and devour. But we don’t fight in our own strength. When we humble ourselves in prayer and dependence on God, He equips us with everything we need to stand firm. As Scripture reminds us, if we submit to God and resist the enemy, he will flee (James 4:7).

Nothing Done in Faith Is Wasted

Mordecai’s faithfulness was forgotten for a time, but not forever. Likewise, God never overlooks what we do in faith. Even when our obedience seems unnoticed, He sees, He remembers, and He rewards in His perfect timing. As 1 Corinthians 15:58 reminds us, our labour in the Lord is never in vain.

The story of Esther is more than ancient history. it’s a timeless picture of God’s providence in our lives today. We serve a God who is ever present, even when He seems silent. He positions us with purpose, hides us for seasons of preparation, strengthens us for battle, and rewards every act of faith. Nothing in your life is random; every detail is woven by His unseen hand.

So when life feels uncertain, remember: God is not absent, He is active. He is writing your story, just as He wrote Esther’s, and He is working all things together for your good and His glory.

Scriptures To Meditate On:

Esther 4:14
“And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Genesis 50:20
“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good”.

Matthew 6:33-34
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.”

Isaiah 54:17
"No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn.