The Hidden Hand: Seeing The Providence Of God In Everything

THEME: The book of Esther is an unforgettable case study of divine providence. Though His name is not mentioned anywhere in the book, through every twist and turn of this dramatic and ironic tale, God’s wise and loving care for His people is put on display, not by the miraculous, but through the mysterious workings of His providence. Studying Esther serves to sharpen our spiritual perception as believers so we can more quickly and easily recognize God’s invisible hand at work in everything that happens in our world and in our lives. Furthermore, it helps us learn to rest in and rejoice in God’s providence especially when we find ourselves in desperate, hopeless situations and are tempted to ask “Where is God in all this?” Esther reminds us that when it seems like God is least present He is most at work; while He appears invisible He remains invincible.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” These questions are designed to help you apply today’s message to your life. We encourage you to thoughtfully answer these questions and discuss your answers with others. For more information about joining a Grow Group that uses these questions as the basis for weekly discussion, prayer, and accountability, please call the church office at (936) 582-1977.

1. Has your “hut been on fire” recently? What are some discouraging, frustrating, troubling, and/or threatening circumstances you have faced in your life or you are facing in your life right now?
2. How familiar are you with the story of Esther? Why is it a classic case study of God’s providence? What is most comforting and reassuring to you about how God worked in the book of Esther?
3. In what way is God’s work in the book of Esther more mysterious than miraculous? Why is that so helpful and practical when you compare your life to the lives of Old Testament saints?
4. Describe some of God’s marvelous, mysterious providences that you have seen in your life.
5. Read Genesis 45:4-8 and 50:19-20. How was God’s sweet providence displayed in Joseph’s life? What hope do you gain from seeing how God worked everything out in his situation?
6. Have you developed the habit of using worldly words like coincidence, fluke, luck, chance, arbitrary forces, random events, destiny, fate, etc. How does your vocabulary need to change in light of today’s sermon? How can you respond graciously to someone when you hear them use any of these unbiblical terms or concepts?
7. Praise and thank God that your life is not at the mercy of impersonal, arbitrary forces or uncontrolled, random events and that there is no such thing as coincidences, accidents, fate, luck, or chance. Ask God to sharpen your spiritual vision so you can more quickly and clearly see His invisible hand of providence in everything that happens to you. Ask Him to help you learn to rest in and rejoice in His providence especially when you experience unexpected developments or unforeseen circumstances and are tempted to ask “Where is God in all this?”

“The invisible God who may appear to be absent is the invincible God who is working out His wise plan.” 

Chuck Swindoll