When Evil Works for Good

Today's reading was from Esther 6 - 10.  The King exalts Mordecai for what he had done to save the King's life, Esther reveals Haman's plot to kill the Jews, and Haman and countless enemies of the Jews lose their lives.

The Jewish people had been condemned to die but God saved them.  Steven Curtis Chapman sings a song called "Bring it On."  There is a line where it says that Satan just doesn't seem to understand that what he intends for evil God works for good.  Haman intended to kill the Jews but God, who is omniscient, knowing the end from the beginning, had already thwarted the plan before Haman was even born.  For God had spared an orphan girl named Esther, ensured she would be raised by a Godly man, and placed her in the King's palace.  In the end, the great evil that Haman intended resulted in the salvation of God's people and served to bring Him glory.

In the same way, Satan plotted to kill Jesus Christ.  But God had a plan from the beginning.  And what Satan intended for evil--indeed, the greatest sin ever committed--secured the salvation of all of God's people.  To God alone be the glory, great things He has done!

Knowing this: God is omniscient, God is sovereign, why do I feel I must always be the one to fight for the right outcome?  I spend so much energy trying to win this battle or that.  I think what God is teaching me more and more is that I am not in control.  I must entrust myself to the One who judges all things rightly, who knows the end from the beginning, who will always bring good from whatever evil I perceive--whether against me, my family or the ministry.  I must trust Him more.

What are your struggles?  Like Esther and Mordecai, you may find yourself in the middle of a battle.  The battle could be your desire to triumph over personal sin, to have a marriage of peace, to have the respect you feel you deserve, the right job.  It could be all of the above and then some.  Rest in this: The battle belongs to the Lord and He has won it before it even began.

Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.

Yesterday, I did not exercise as I desired to do so.  I didn't eat exactly as I should have and I didn't get to work on time; it doesn't look I will get to work on time today either.  Please continue to pray for me.  I need to get up earlier so I can have more time for these activities.  But I am enjoying my time with the Lord and writing these blogs.  I hope you enjoy reading them.