Esther — Positioned on Purpose | Identity Before Action

Before we walk through Esther chapter by chapter, we have to understand the story.

In this episode, we explore the foundation of the book of Esther—its themes, context, and why it matters for your life today.

What does it mean when God feels silent?

Why is His name never mentioned in this book?

How does identity shape obedience?

And how can God use someone who doesn’t feel ready?

This episode introduces:

•  The hiddenness of God 
•  Identity before action 
•  Power dynamics in a male-dominated empire 
•  Fear vs obedience 
•  Being positioned for purpose 

If you’ve ever felt unseen, unqualified, or unsure—this story is for you.

Because even when God seems silent…

He is still working.

Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:00

You're listening to Resilient and Called, hosted by Eleanor Hawk Finney. Eleanor is a pastoral counselor, author, and faith-based communicator who is deeply committed to helping people understand who they are, why they're here, and how to walk confidently in their calling. Through teaching that is both practical and spirit-led, she bridges the gap between scripture and everyday life. Walking through the Bible in a real, honest, and transformative way. Let's get into it.

SPEAKER_01 0:34

What do you do when God feels absent? But everything in your life is being positioned. Not falling apart, not random, but positioned. And you don't understand it. You don't see him, you don't hear him, and yet things are shifting. Doors are opening, others are closing, you're being moved into places you choose. And you're left asking, God, are you even in this? That's where we're going today. Hey, I'm Eleanor, and we're walking through the Bible together through the lens of mental health, identity, and healing. We are in season one, where we're gonna dive into identity, calling, hidden seasons, and purpose. And today, we are beginning the Book of Esther. Before we dive into the story, we need to understand the world, because scripture has context. And if we skip it, we miss what it actually means. The Book of Esther takes place during the Persian Empire. And guess what, guys? I am not a study of foreign languages. As a matter of fact, when I went to college for the first time, and that first time is a story for another time. But when I went to college for the first time, I tried to study Latin. Y'all, I failed miserably. Just asked my college best friend. So forgive me. As we go through this podcast, I'm going to mess things up. I'm gonna say the names wrong and the locations and probably even some really easy words. But guess what? I'm human. So just ask for forgiveness now and hope that you'll grant it later. So yeah, let's go back. Remember, the Book of Esther takes place during the Persian Empire. Under King Aspheris, also known as, hey, I can say this, King Xerxes. This is around 486 to 465 BC. And the Jewish people, they're in exile. They are not home. They are scattered, living in a land that is not theirs, under leadership that does not serve their God. And that matters because everything in this story happens in that tension. Now, here's what makes this book different. The book of Esther never mentions God. Not what no miracles, no prophetic voice, no thus says the Lord. And if we're honest, that can feel uncomfortable because we're used to seeing God clearly. But here, in the book of Esther, he's hidden. He's not absent though. Hidden. And that's important because some of you are living in a season just like that. Where God is not obvious, but he's still working. You see, this book is about identity and hiddenness and fear and purpose and positioning. It's about a young woman, Esther, a Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, living in a foreign land with very little power in a system that does not protect her. And yet, she becomes queen. Not because she chased it, but because she was positioned. And we need to understand that clearly. Esther is a woman in a male-dominated empire. She does not have control. She does not have freedom. She is chosen, brought into the palace, and expected to conform. This is not a fairy tale. This is tension. This is pressure. This is survival. And yet, God used this book shows us something powerful. God's providence, meaning God working behind the scenes. He's not doing it loudly, definitely not obviously, but he is doing it intentionally. Every detail, every shift, every moment leading somewhere, even when no one can see it. And if I can bring this into something personal, there was a season where I knew I was called, but I didn't feel ready. Where I felt the weight of what God was asking, but not the confidence to step into it. Even as I was writing my book, perhaps this is it, there were moments of questioning, moments of doubt, moments where I thought, God, why me? Why this? And am I even ready? And yet, looking back, I can see something I couldn't see then. I was being positioned. Not randomly, not accidentally, but intentionally. And that's what Esther shows us. Faithfulness to your purpose is never in vain. God can take anyone from where they are to where his will needs them to be, even if they feel unqualified, even if they feel unseen, even if they feel unready, because at the core of this story is a decision. Fear or obedience. Silence or stepping forward. Comfort or calling. And Esther has to decide. Will she stay hidden? Or will she step into who she was created to be? And if we're honest, some of you are standing in that exact place. You feel the tension, you feel the pull, but you also feel the fear. And you don't know what to do with birth. Friend, God does not need perfect people. He says positioned people. So the question becomes: where are you right now? That you didn't choose? And what if that place is not random? Where do you feel hidden in your life right now that might actually be you being positioned? Pray with me, guys. God, help us trust you even when we don't see you. Help us recognize that you are working even in the hidden places. And give us the courage to step into what you are calling us to do. Jesus' name. Amen. You know the drill, guys. If this spoke to you and you're ready to go deeper, join us inside the resilience room. That's where we're gonna walk this out together. You can find out more at www.eleanorfinny.

SPEAKER_00 9:30

Thanks for listening to Resilient and Called with Eleanor Hawkfinney. If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe and share it with someone who needs it. Join the Resilience Room by visiting www.elinorfinny.com, and we will see you in the next episode.