Heavenly Father Knows Best

You may have heard of the old TV show Father Knows BEsther The 1950s American sitcom was about a father and his family. You may or may not enjoy old black and white sitcoms, but the title brings an amazing truth to mind: our heavenly Father does know bEsther Many times, I’ve asked God why He didn’t give me the things I prayed for. I lamented to Him when opportunities slipped from my grasp. I cried after I had doors of opportunity slammed in my face. One Sunday, in the midst of lamenting over a lost relationship, I heard a sermon about the book of Esther in the Bible. The pastor spoke about how, even though God isn’t mentioned by name in this book, His handiwork is evident throughout the story. Reading it now, we can see God working through the good and the bad to deliver His people. The problem is, Esther didn’t get a lovely printed, leather-bound version of her story. She lived it. She was placed in the middle of the threat of her people’s extinction and told to act at the risk of her own life. Maybe looking back, she could see how God worked through the good and the bad for His purposes, but maybe not. The sermon on Esther comforted me. It reminded me God does have a plan and He is working on it, even if He doesn’t give me all the details. In times of disappointment, I fall back on God’s love for me in Christ. I know God’s silence does not equal His absence; Jesus is with me no matter what I face (Matthew 28:20). I know He is working His kingdom purposes through it all (Romans 8:28; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24). Naomi Zylstra What’s something you prayed for that you did not receive? Read Matthew 28:20, Romans 8:28-30, and Revelation 21:1-5. How can these promises comfort you when you face disappointment? And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6 (NLT)

Read Verses:

Romans 8:18-39