THE BENEFIT OF DIVINE GUIDANCE
Judges 20:24-35
— And the Lord said, “Go up, for tomorrow I will deliver them into your hand Judges 20:28
From our scripture reading today, the Israelites seek God’s guidance after suffering two devastating defeats in their battle against the Benjamites. It is noteworthy that they were pursuing the right course but still met with defeat. This shows us that pursuing the right courses should be within the framework of God’s timing. Despite their initial determination, they realize that their efforts cannot succeed without the Lord’s direction and blessing. They turn to God in earnest prayer, fasting, and worship, seeking His will for their next steps. It is very important that we seek God’s guidance in our lives, especially when faced with challenges and decisions. The Israelites’ approach—coming together in prayer, fasting, and worship—demonstrates a deep dependence on God. They recognized that victory comes not by their own strength, but by God’s will and intervention.
In our own lives, we may face situations that seem insurmountable or decisions that are difficult to make. It’s essential to turn to God, seeking His wisdom and guidance. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Prayer
Lord, I seek Your guidance and direction in my life. Help me to trust in Your wisdom and not rely on my own understanding. Amen.
ONE YEAR BIBLE READING
DAY 179 Job 13:15: Acts 8:26-40
THE VANITY OF WORLDLY PLEASURES
Esther 1:1-8
Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done and on the labor in which I had toiled; and indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun. Ecclesiastes 2:11
It’s no news that humans tend to chase after worldly pleasures in search of fulfilment and satisfaction. Like we read, King Ahasuerus hosted an extravagant celebration that lasted 180 days, followed by another 7-day feast, and it was filled with fine decorations, luxury, and an excessive amount of wine. Just like King Ahasuerus, who in his pride sought to impress his nobles and officials and to show off his wealth and power, we all have different reasons for celebration and indulgence in material things, some of which may not necessarily be for extreme reasons of pride or showing off. However, as our memory verse points out, all these pursuits ultimately lead to emptiness and dissatisfaction.
This serves as a reminder that true contentment cannot be found in the temporary things of this world but rather in spiritual pursuits and a meaningful connection with God. This is because earthly pursuits and power can quickly fade. The grandest of earthly celebrations are ultimately “vanity of vanities” and can never compare to the eternal joy of knowing and walking with God. This is your cue to check where you are placing your value and focus in life. Are you laying up your treasure in temporary pleasures? Or are you seeking the eternal joy that comes from living for God?
Prayer
Lord, stir up in me a burning desire for You. Help me to prioritise my relationship with You above all else. Amen.
ONE YEAR BIBLE READING
DAY 180 Job 16:18: Acts 9:1-22
DIVINE SETUPS
Esther 1:10-22
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
It can be said that Queen Vashti’s dismissal wasn’t just a random occurrence but was part of a divine plan to position Esther for a future role of saving her people. The whole story was a gamut of divine orchestrations and steering of human history towards divine purpose: a king throwing a massive banquet, a queen refusing his command, and a swift human decision to remove her from the throne. Sometimes, what may seem like setbacks or random events in your life are actually divine setups orchestrated by God for a greater purpose. God can use every situation for our good and to His glory.
Psalm 115:3 (NIV) says, “Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.” This serves as a reminder that even when life feels chaotic or unfair, God is always in control. You might be facing unexpected setbacks or closed doors right now, but He is directing your steps. The removal of Vashti was not just about the king and queen’s pride; it was all about God’s plan. In the same way, what may seem like a loss in your life could actually be a preparation for something greater. If you’re reading this, be assured. God is at work, setting the stage for something greater. How should knowing that God is in control bring you peace in uncertain times?
Prayer
Father, thank You for working behind the scenes. Help me to trust that every unexpected twist and turn in my life is part of Your greater purpose. Amen.
ONE YEAR BIBLE READING
DAY 181 Job 19:20: Acts 9:23-43
WHO YOU LISTEN TO MATTERS
Esther 1:12-22
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5
King Ahasuerus made a major decision that changed history all because of the counsel of his wise men. One of them, Memucan, told the king that Vashti’s refusal to obey his command would set a bad example for all the women in the kingdom, leading to disrespect and disobedience among wives towards their husbands. The king listened, and this advice ultimately influenced King Ahasuerus to remove Queen Vashti from her position. While this decision may not have been the most just or fair, it shows the power that counsel and advice from others can have in shaping important decisions. It is also a reminder to make seeking wisdom from God a priority in your decision-making process.
Who you listen to matters! The people around you—friends, social media influencers, or even family—all shape your thoughts and choices. If you surround yourself with wise, godly people, you will grow in wisdom. But if you take advice from those who don’t seek God, you may end up making choices you regret. Pay attention to the voices influencing you. Are they helping you grow spiritually? Take a moment to reflect on Proverbs 13:20 (NLT): “Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble,” and ask God to guide you towards seeking wisdom from those who align with His truth. Ultimately, true wisdom only comes from God. How can you seek God’s wisdom in everyday choices?
Prayer
Lord, give me the courage to step away from bad influences and seek Your guidance in every decision. Amen.
ONE YEAR BIBLE READING
DAY 182 Job 21:22: Acts 10:1-23
WALKING IN GOD’S FAVOUR
Esther 2:1-9
For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favour You will surround him as with a shield.
Psalm 5:12.
The favour Esther received from God was not just a coincidence, it was divinely programmed to position her for a greater purpose. When Esther was taken to the palace along with other young women, something extraordinary happened. She found favour at every stage of the selection process. She had favour with Hegai, the custodian of the women and eventually the king. Hegai provided her with special beauty treatments, the best accommodations, and every other thing that she needed to stand out among the other candidates. Later, when she appeared before the king, she found favour with him as well, leading to her coronation as queen.
Sadly, so many people, including believers, do a lot of strange and unwholesome things in an attempt to win people’s favour. Some have had to belittle themselves to the point of outrightly begging to be liked or placed in a position of influence. Some have had to tell lies, bribe others, backstab others, compromise their values and faith, and esteem men above God in the process. They fail to realise that true favour is not something they ought to chase, but something God gives to those who are aligned with His purpose. True favour comes from God alone! When God’s favour rests on you, it will position you in places you could never reach on your own. Stop striving to gain people’s approval. Instead, trust God to grant you favour where it matters most! And while at it, stay humble because “God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble” (James 4:6b NIV).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, let Your favour surround me like a shield today and forever. Amen.
ONE YEAR BIBLE READING
DAY 183 Job 23:25: Acts 10:24-48
WHEN PREPARATION MEETS OPPORTUNITY
Esther 2:12-17
The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is of the Lord.
Proverbs 21:31.
So many people just want to step into greatness instantly, but God’s process sometimes involves a period of delayed gratification—a great time to learn preparation, diligence, and patience. Esther went through a full year of preparation before stepping into the king’s presence. That’s twelve months of skincare, treatments, and training in royal etiquette. It wasn’t just about looking good; it was about being ready for the moment when it came. Twelve months seem like a really long time to wait, especially when the chances for success seem so uncertain, but God often takes us through seasons of preparation before bringing us into our purpose. Just like Esther, we may go through times of refining, waiting, and learning before we step into God’s plan for us.
God’s seasons of preparation are not a waste of time. Whether it’s studying hard, learning a skill, growing in faith, or learning discipline, getting a low-paying job, or something you don’t even fully understand yet, every step matters. It may feel like nothing is happening, but behind the scenes, God is setting things up. When the right door opens, all that preparation will pay off. Instead of resisting your season of preparation, embrace it, knowing that God is working behind the scenes to shape you for the purpose He has for you. But here’s the thing; opportunity alone isn’t enough. You have to be ready to step into it. Identify one area in your life where you need to be more intentional about preparation. Take a step today to improve in that area, knowing that God is preparing you for something greater!
Prayer
Father, give me patience and diligence to embrace the season of preparation You have placed me in. Amen.
ONE YEAR BIBLE READING
DAY 183 Job 26:28: Acts 11
GOD USES THE ORDINARY FOR THE EXTRAORDINARY
Esther 2:7-18
But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty.
1 Corinthians 1:27
Esther was just a Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai. She had no royal background, wealth, or influence. Yet, God chose her to be queen and used her to save an entire nation. What seemed impossible for an ordinary girl became a reality because of God’s divine purpose. Throughout the Bible, God used people who seemed ordinary to accomplish extraordinary feats. Like David, a young shepherd boy who became king; Moses, a stammering shepherd who led Israel out of Egypt; and the disciples, who were fishermen and tax collectors, yet became world-changers, etc.
Do you ever feel too ordinary for God to use? Remember, God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called. He looks at availability, obedience, and faith. If He could use Esther, He can use you! You may feel unqualified, unnoticed, or unworthy, but God sees greatness in you. Even if you feel unqualified, know that God has a purpose for you. Do not let fear or self-doubt stop you from being used by God. Like Esther, be willing to step into what God has prepared for you.
Prayer
Lord, help me to trust You, surrender fully, and walk boldly in the purpose You have set for me. Amen.
ONE YEAR BIBLE READING
DAY 185 Job 29:30: Acts 12
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