Sometimes, before God does an amazing, earth-shaking work, He allows darkness to grow to an uncomfortable level. Sin will not ultimately prevail, but God has not promised to exterminate all sin as soon as it begins to grow. No, God’s ways often include allowing evil on earth to gain traction before He releases a move that will exterminate wickedness and establish righteousness. This is the case with the beginning of the story of Esther. This heroic woman is not even mentioned in the first chapter of the book which bears her name. Before she is raised up by God, we must stare at the wicked hearts of depraved men who are running the show in ancient Persia. Against the backdrop of their evil ways, God will soon raise up a Queen who will deliver he people. Where there is a need for a hero, there is already the presence of a villain. This is the harsh reality that Esther would be planted in by her wise and strategic God.