At the church that I am a part of, our pastor has been preaching through the book of Esther. If you have ever read this short book in the Old Testament, you will be amazed at how God is constantly at work behind the scenes, even though His name is never mentioned once in the entire book.
What the Book of Esther Reveals About God’s Sovereignty
Throughout the story of Esther, God was providentially working to expose hidden evil and bring about the salvation of His people, even when the situation appeared hopeless. What seemed like a series of ordinary events—a young Jewish woman becoming queen, a king’s sleepless night, and a timely reminder of Mordecai’s loyalty—were all being orchestrated by God to rescue His people from destruction.
As Mordecai reminded Esther:
“And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
(Esther 4:14)
The book of Esther is a powerful reminder that even when God seems silent, He is never absent. He is always at work, accomplishing His purposes and caring for His people through His sovereign providence.
While theological training and biblical study are valuable gifts from God and a core pillar of our discipleship ministry, understanding God’s sovereignty only requires simple faith and a humble spirit willing to trust Him even when circumstances suggest otherwise.
God’s Sovereignty in the Lives of Our Ministry Partners
A Ministry Leader in Syria
One of our ministry leaders in Syria, “ Rev. P,” often shares stories of traveling in and out of the country each month. Every journey involves military checkpoints, uncertainty, and potential danger. Yet he continues to go with peace in his heart, surrendering each trip to the Lord and trusting that God remains in complete control over every circumstance he encounters. His confidence is not in favorable conditions, but in the God who governs them.
A Ministry Couple Serving Under Threat
Likewise, a ministry couple “P&A” serving with us in a region that is not friendly to Christianity regularly share their faith with those around them, knowing that some who express interest may actually be government informants seeking evidence against them. Yet they continue to serve with joy and courage, trusting that God is sovereign over every conversation, every relationship, and every outcome. They understand that their responsibility is not to control the results but to faithfully obey the Lord and leave the consequences in His hands.
Like Esther, We Rarely See the Full Picture
In many ways, their stories remind us of Esther.
Neither Esther nor Mordecai could see the full picture of what God was doing. They simply chose faithfulness in the midst of uncertainty. Only later did they discover that God had been arranging events for the deliverance of His people all along.
The same is true for us today. We often cannot see what God is doing behind the scenes in our lives, our ministries, our families, or even in the nations where we serve. Yet Scripture repeatedly reminds us that God is working, even when we cannot see His hand.
God’s Sovereignty Is Still at Work Across the Muslim World
As we look across the regions where Endure serves, we are reminded that the Lord is quietly at work through broadcasts, follow-up conversations, discipleship groups, local churches, and faithful believers who continue to share Christ despite opposition and hardship. Many of the stories are unseen. Much of the fruit remains hidden. Yet God is accomplishing His purposes in His perfect way and in His perfect timing.
Thank You for Trusting God’s Sovereignty With Us
Thank you for your faithful prayers, encouragement, and support. Your partnership enables men and women throughout the Muslim world to hear God’s Word, grow as disciples of Jesus Christ, and strengthen the local church in places where believers often stand alone.
May we all continue to trust the God of Esther—the God who is never absent, never surprised, and never finished working for the good of His people and the glory of His name.
In Christ,
Bashar Abdo
Director- Media Ministry
*Precise locations are concealed and first names are abbreviated for the safety and security of our team members in persecuted nations across the globe.
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