Esther is the only book in our Bible that does not directly mention God. The story is thought to have been written by Esther’s cousin Mordecai. They are Jewish but could not be public about their faith in Ahasuerus’ kingdom. Both of them ended up in good positions in the kingdom, but Haman, a minister in the kingdom, plotted to destroy the Jewish people, starting with a plan to hang Mordecai. While she was supposed to show up and speak only when invited, Esther found a way to speak up and talk to the king.
Although God is never mentioned directly, God’s fingerprints are all over this story. God is working in the background, positioning Esther to be queen, giving her courage to speak, setting Mordecai in government in a position to change the course of events and thus, in the end, bring good for God’s chosen people.
Do you have a story like this, one where God seems to be absent in the moment, but when you look back, you can see God’s fingerprints all over the events and the outcome?
Invisible God, thank you for never forgetting me and my plight, for being there even when I cannot directly see your actions or feel your presence. Bless me with the faith and courage of Esther. Amen. — SJ