Esther Saved Her People

READ TOGETHER

Watch the Bible story video or read all or parts of the Book of Esther from the Bible.

FAMILY DEVOTION

In 2011, Volkswagen aired a commercial that featured a young boy, dressed as Darth Vader, trying to control things by using “the force.” After several failed attempts at moving objects, the boy stands in front of his dad’s car, puts his hands out toward the car, and the car engine starts! The boy is amazed at his powers, but the commercial reveals the dad standing inside the house using a remote to start the car. The father was in control the whole time!

As we read the Book of Esther, God’s name never appears in the story. He is not mentioned one time, yet it is evident that He is control the whole time! When Mordecai heard of Haman’s evil plan to kill the Jews, he reminded Esther that perhaps God had made her queen for a purpose. God used Esther to save His people from Haman.

Esther’s life did not go exactly the way she planned. There were ups and downs, but God was in control the whole time! We can trust that God has a plan for us, too. No matter what happens in our lives, we can trust that God is in control, and His plans will always be for His glory and our good!

God was in control over Haman’s evil plan to destroy the Jews. Like Haman, Satan wants to ruin God’s plan and destroy believers. Satan thought he had won when Jesus died on the cross, but God raised Jesus from the dead and defeated Satan once and for all. All who believe in Jesus are rescued from sin and death.

PRAY TOGETHER

 God, You are always in control. Help us to trust that You have a plan, and Your plans are good. Even when we don’t understand what is happening, remind us that You have the power to use what the enemy means for evil and turn it for good and for Your glory! Amen.

HAVE FUN TOGETHER

If you can, take turns playing with a remote-control car or helicopter. Set up an obstacle course for each family member to guide the car through. Afterward, talk about how the remote gave control to whoever was holding it. While we aren’t perfect with that power, God always is perfect and will work out His good plans no matter what.

TALK ABOUT IT TOGETHER

• How can learning more about God’s character and His mighty works help you to trust Him more? Ask God to help you trust Him more.
• Even when we don’t know or understand His plans, we can trust that He is perfectly working out His plan. Why can we trust that His plans for us are good? Thank God for His good and perfect will for your life.