Ironic

I will occasionally have moments that happen that feel a bit ironic.  The word “ironic” implies coincidental or accidental. As a Christ-follower, I see this as the Lord’s hand in my life. I trust Him. I have learned the importance of praying about EVERYTHING.

I think it’s a bit unusual for a book in the Bible to not refer to God, although the hand of God and the Presence of God can be seen throughout. I’m reading through the book of Esther and God is not formally mentioned or referred to. The book is a piece of historical context of the Jewish people in exile under the Persian empire.

The top advisor to the King Xerxes had coached the king into a special day to kill the Jews in the coming year. Esther, the queen was a Jew as well, unbeknown to Haman, the king’s top advisor.  The Jews were fasting and praying about the impending threat to them and their families. Mordecai, the queen’s uncle (also a Jew) was deeply hated by Haman. Mordecai had uncovered a plot to kill the king and reported it years earlier. Haman was the instigator of the whole plot to destroy the Jews because of his hatred for Mordecai. He was so frustrated with Mordecai that he was going to the king to ask permission to impale Mordecai on a huge pole he had built at his house.  I see the hand of God and the Presence of God all over this with timing and the obedience of Esther and the faithfulness of Mordecai. Check this out….

⁶ So Haman came in, and the king said, “What should I do to honor a man who truly pleases me?”

Haman thought to himself, “Whom would the king wish to honor more than me?” ⁷ So he replied, “If the king wishes to honor someone, ⁸ he should bring out one of the king’s own royal robes, as well as a horse that the king himself has ridden—one with a royal emblem on its head. ⁹ Let the robes and the horse be handed over to one of the king’s most noble officials. And let him see that the man whom the king wishes to honor is dressed in the king’s robes and led through the city square on the king’s horse. Have the official shout as they go, ‘This is what the king does for someone he wishes to honor!’”

¹⁰ “Excellent!” the king said to Haman. “Quick! Take the robes and my horse, and do just as you have said for Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the gate of the palace. Leave out nothing you have suggested!” (Esther 6:6-10 NLT)

The hand of God on this situation is really starting to show up. I’m not sure how long Mordecai had to wait for his reward and recognition, but it came. I think there is a lesson in here to keep consistent even when reward and recognition is deferred. I love the irony of Haman about to request permission to kill the very man the king seeks to honor. And Haman, in his pride and arrogance makes some great suggestions for reward and recognition because he thinks he is the recipient.

I trust the Lord’s timing.

I trust the Lord’s Presence.

I trust the Lord’s solutions and plans.

I trust the Lord with all that I am and all that I have. Even when He’s not noticed by others or His name is not mentioned, the Lord is working behind the scenes His Will and His Way in my life. I’m walking in humble confidence in the Lord’s direction for my life.

Pressing On!

Dwayne