Esther Bible Study: Our Plans or God’s Plans?

“God’s plans for us are better than our own” flashed before me on a church billboard as I arrived before sunrise at the airport en route to run the Disney Marathon. I laughed out loud as I reflected on how only five months earlier I had no thought of ever running a marathon. It never crossed my mind. No bucket list item nor life goal; it was never part of my plan. But God’s plans were not my own and were bigger and better than I could ever imagine.

Esther must have felt the same way. After bathing in oils and perfumes for a year, she was handpicked out of thousands of young virgins by the king himself to be his queen. She must have thought of her life of luxury ahead, living in the palace with servants and whatever material treasure she desired. It probably never crossed her mind that, one day, she would put her life on the line to save her people. Through the story of Esther we learn that God’s plans were beyond what she could have ever imagined. God’s plans were better than her own.

Sometimes life surprises us and we find ourselves in unexpected places and roles. But God has a reason for where you are now and plans for where you will be tomorrow, next week, and in the years to come. The key is to listen and look beyond ourselves to follow God’s path. Through this Esther Bible study, my hope is that you will be able to do just that to grow closer to the Lord through our lessons. God will speak to you through the eyes of Esther and other characters you will meet along the way. Just tune in and see what He has planned. I know it will be bigger and better than you could ever imagine!

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)