Esther 5:1–6:14
Esther’s moment has come. After three days of prayer and fasting, she gathers her courage, clothes herself in royal garments, and steps into the king’s throne room uninvited. Her life is on the line—but she walks forward in faith.
And the miraculous happens:
“When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter.” (Esther 5:2)
The king not only spares her life but also asks, “What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you” (Esther 5:3).
1. Esther’s Patience and Wisdom
Instead of rushing into her request, Esther shows remarkable restraint. She invites the king and Haman to a banquet. And even then, she delays again, inviting them to yet another banquet the next day.
Her patience wasn’t hesitation—it was strategy. Esther trusted God’s timing, not her own. Sometimes wisdom looks like waiting.
For us, this is a reminder that courage doesn’t always mean blurting out everything at once. Sometimes it means prayerfully waiting for the right moment, trusting God to orchestrate the details.
2. Haman’s Pride and Downfall Begins
Meanwhile, Haman leaves the banquet puffed up with pride. He boasts to his wife and friends about his wealth, his many sons, and his unique favor with the king and queen. But his joy is poisoned by one thing: Mordecai’s refusal to bow.
So Haman builds a gallows, seventy-five feet tall, determined to destroy Mordecai.
Pride blinds us, doesn’t it? Haman’s obsession with recognition and control made him reckless. Scripture warns us: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).
3. God’s Providence at Midnight
The turning point comes in Esther 6, and it’s almost humorous. That night, the king cannot sleep. He orders the book of chronicles to be read to him, and “by chance” (or rather, by God’s hand), he hears the story of Mordecai saving his life years before.
The king realizes Mordecai was never honored for this act. Just then, Haman walks in—ready to ask permission to hang Mordecai. Instead, the king asks his advice:
“What should be done for the man the king delights to honor?” (Esther 6:6)
Haman, thinking it’s about himself, suggests extravagant recognition. The irony is breathtaking when the king commands Haman to honor Mordecai in that very way.
Here we see God’s invisible hand, turning the tide at exactly the right moment. Esther hadn’t yet revealed Haman’s plot, but God was already at work, dismantling the enemy’s plan.
4. God Is Always Working Behind the Curtain
Sometimes we think God is silent, but He is always active. In Esther 5–6, we don’t see any obvious miracles—no parting seas, no angelic armies. Instead, we see “coincidences,” delays, and sleepless nights. But in those ordinary details, God was writing a story of deliverance.
Sisters, that’s the same God who works in your life today. You may not see it yet, but He is aligning the right people, the right timing, and the right circumstances for His purpose.
Reflection Questions
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How does Esther’s patience encourage you to trust God’s timing instead of rushing ahead?
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Where do you see pride—like Haman’s—tempting you to seek recognition or control?
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Can you recall a time when God’s hand was working behind the scenes in your life, even before you realized it?
Life Application
This week, pause and look for God in the small details. Journal moments that seem like coincidences, delays, or interruptions, and ask: “Lord, could this be You at work?” Train your heart to see His providence, even when it isn’t obvious.
Quote to Remember
“God is always doing 10,000 things in your life, and you may be aware of three of them.” – John Piper
Closing Prayer
Lord, thank You for the reminder that You are sovereign over every detail. Just as You guided Esther, silenced Haman’s pride, and moved in the heart of a sleepless king, I trust that You are working in my life today. Help me to wait with patience, to walk with humility, and to trust You when I cannot see. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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I enjoy this devotional!
So happy it blessed you! Thank you for reading along.