Series Details
Ever wonder how God controls this world? How He orchestrates our lives? In the book of Esther, we see that God is in fact in every detail.
King Ahasuerus chose Esther, a young Jew, to be his queen. The true King of the cosmos, however, chose Esther for an even greater role. When evil Haman influenced Ahasuerus to issue an edict ordering the annihilation of all the Jews, God called Esther for “such as time as this” to save her people.
Chuck Swindoll traces through Esther’s story God’s invisible hand, which writes silently across the pages of all human history. Like Esther, learn to live courageously and with hope regardless of your circumstances.
The book of Esther offers a profound look at God’s invisible providence. While His name is never explicitly mentioned, His “invisible hand” is seen orchestrating every detail of history. Through this 12-part study, Pastor Chuck Swindoll traces the life of a godly woman who demonstrated the courage and wisdom necessary to save her nation, teaching us how to live with hope even when God seems silent.
Message 1: God’s Invisible Providence
- Overview: This introductory message explores the magisterial fashion in which God works behind the scenes without once being named. It sets the theological lens for understanding that God’s invisibility never nullifies His invincibility.
- Key Fact: God accomplishes His sovereign will in heaven and on earth even when He seems to slip out of view; silence is not absence.
- Scripture: Esther (Full Book Overview)
Message 2: There She Goes . . . Miss Persia!
- Overview: Chuck examines the unusual domestic and political crisis that led to Esther’s selection as queen. What seemed like a series of human events was the beginning of a divine plan to position a servant in the gap.
- Key Fact: God uses unpredictable paths and even difficult human conflicts to place His people exactly where they need to be.
- Scripture: Esther 1:1–2:7
Message 3: Strength and Dignity on Parade
- Overview: This message highlights Esther’s rare blend of authentic beauty, intuition, and endurance. Her character serves as a model for spiritual maturity and the development of godly dignity.
- Key Fact: God exalts those who choose not to exalt themselves, focusing on inner character traits that find favor in the eyes of others.
- Scripture: Esther 2:8–20
Message 4: An Evil Interlude
- Overview: Every story of transformation has an antagonist. Here, the wicked scheme of Haman to exterminate the Jews is uncovered, providing lessons on spiritual warfare and opposition.
- Key Fact: Recognizing the reality of evil schemes is the first step in standing firm under fire during a national or personal crisis.
- Scripture: Esther 2:21–3:15
Message 5: Thinking and Saying What’s Right—Regardless
- Overview: Facing a death sentence for her people, Esther reached a critical crossroads. Chuck discusses the weight of deciding to act when the risk to one’s own life is absolute.
- Key Fact: Courageous conviction means recognizing the specific “such a time as this” calling God has placed on your life, regardless of the cost.
- Scripture: Esther 4
Message 6: Esther’s Finest Hour
- Overview: As the crisis peaked, Esther moved with a delicate balance of wisdom, timing, and faith. This message explores how she stepped into her destiny by interceding for her nation.
- Key Fact: Faith in action requires moving forward even when there is no visible hope, trusting in God’s sovereign timing.
- Scripture: Esther 5
Message 7: What Goes Around, Comes Around
- Overview: Momentum shifts suddenly as God intervenes in an unusual manner. This message looks at the ironic unraveling of Haman’s plot through a series of “coincidences” orchestrated by God.
- Key Fact: The biblical principle of reaping what one sows is often displayed through God’s ironic and perfect justice.
- Scripture: Esther 6
Message 8: God’s Surprising Sovereignty
- Overview: The King of the cosmos reveals His power over the earthly king’s court. This turning point demonstrates that God’s silence is never an indication of His absence.
- Key Fact: God maintains absolute control over earthly powers to protect His people and fulfill His promises.
- Scripture: Esther 7
Message 9: And the Walls Came Tumbling Down
- Overview: Light suddenly pierces the darkness for the Jewish people. Chuck describes the scene where the seemingly impenetrable edict of death begins to fall through divine intervention.
- Key Fact: Deliverance often comes through the total reversal of a “hopeless” situation when God’s light breaks through.
- Scripture: Esther 8
Message 10: The Limitations of Retaliation
- Overview: With the plot failed, God’s justice is proven sure. This message explores the biblical limits of retaliation and how to manage success and victory with restraint and integrity.
- Key Fact: Navigating victory requires the same character and biblical integrity as enduring a trial.
- Scripture: Esther 9:1–16
Message 11: After the Ache . . . Celebrate!
- Overview: Refreshment and celebration are essential to the spiritual life. Chuck discusses the establishment of the Feast of Purim as a legacy of remembrance and gratitude.
- Key Fact: Celebration is a spiritual necessity that allows us to look back on God’s deliverance with joy.
- Scripture: Esther 9:17–32
Message 12: In the End, God Wins
- Overview: The series concludes by reminding believers that no matter how complex human history becomes or how silent the heavens seem, the final word always belongs to God.
- Key Fact: The King of heaven rules forever over all human history; ultimately, His purposes will prevail.
- Scripture: Esther 10
