The Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 3:10 that he not only wanted to know Christ in the power of His resurrection but also in the fellowship of His sufferings. Paul wasn’t a half-hearted Christian. He wasn’t the kind of man who praises God when things are going well but curses God when things are going poorly. When Jesus said to His disciples that those who seek to live godly lives in the world will be persecuted, Paul embraced that call with open arms. The question is . . . will you?
Scandals abound in a drama cast in the ancient Persian Empire. In the midst of political intrigue and betrayal, a beautiful orphan girl suddenly becomes the leading character, as God’s providence rescues His people from certain death. At first glance, Esther is the heroine and Mordecai the master manipulator. Take a closer look, however, and you’ll discover that behind the scenes, God is pulling the strings as His sovereign providence unfolds.