Christian Devotionals and Scripture Applied to Everyday Life

Do you believe in coincidences - something that happens by chance with no planning or foresight? Many consider these types of occurrences a twist of fate. But for God’s people there is no such thing. We recognize that God plans and controls our circumstances, even situations that play into the future, for the working of His perfect plan for our lives. There are a number of these so-called “coincidences” pointing to God’s presence in the book of Esther, although He is not expressly mentioned.

The Bible records history among other things. The pages chronicle the way events happened whether or not the Lord approves of the circumstances. But we gain great encouragement when we realize that the Sovereign God retains control of every situation even when He appears to be absent. He oversees history and works out all things – even the most tragic ones – for the good of His people.

Don’t you just love a good story? There’s something about the words, “Once upon a time” that cause you to sit up and listen with eagerness. We engage even more when we know it is true. The circumstances and characters are fascinating, but also we can gain insight from those who have lived before. The history of a king, two queens, a cousin, and a wicked villain is just one of those accounts. From the very first chapter of the book of Esther there is intrigue and lessons to learn. Although God is never mentioned in this book, He was behind the scenes using the main character’s crucial decisions to protect His people.

Death is a difficult experience. It causes terrible grief for all involved. Death means separation from loved ones and a new way of living for those who are left behind. But what if there is a different way of looking at this naturally sad event to which we are all destined? What if death is not the end? Different stages of life preclude certain types of events. Young children spend much time enjoying birthday parties for siblings and friends. High school students attend numerous graduation parties. Young adults repeatedly dance at weddings. And newly married couples frequently shower expectant mothers with necessities and gifts for her newborn baby. But when you get older the type of event you regularly must attend changes. Sadly, funerals of people you love and respect jump in frequency. This is natural because as we age our bodies break down so that in time we all face the end of our days on earth.

One of my greatest frustrations occurs when I have spent a lot of time working on something only to have my efforts thwarted in some way. Perhaps you can identify with my feelings. You labor over a school paper only to have the computer shut down so you lose the whole document. Or maybe when you’ve mopped the kitchen floor only to have someone track in grass and dirt. These kinds of frustrations happen regularly in life. They can even happen in our relationships. But when you spend time investing in a person even if they don’t seem to care, it is encouraging to know that God never forgets.

Everyone longs to experience true love! Knowing that someone deeply cares about you and is willing to demonstrate it daily keeps you going even on the worst days. It is rare to find this kind of devotion from people here on earth. But there is Someone who delights in you, is fully committed to you, and regularly expresses His love in large and small ways. Just open your eyes and heart so you can appreciate His every day little gifts.