The Apostle Paul claimed to have discovered the secret of being content in whatever state he was in—whether sickness or health, hunger or fullness, poverty or wealth—but he wasn’t the first. Thousands of years before that great Apostle was even born, God was using a man named Ezra to teach His people that contentment is not based on temporary circumstances but on His eternal promises.
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.