"You Are Not Forgotten" by Dr. Kenneth Sullivan Jr. (08/24/2025)

You Are Not Forgotten: Finding Hope in Life's Plot Twists

Have you ever felt like God has forgotten about you? Like your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling and your efforts to do good seem to go unnoticed? If so, you're not alone. Many of us experience seasons where we feel suspended in suspense, waiting for God to move in our lives.

The story of Mordecai in the book of Esther offers a powerful reminder that even when God seems silent, He is still working behind the scenes. For five long years, Mordecai faithfully served at the king's gate after saving the king's life from an assassination plot. Yet he received no recognition or reward for his loyalty. Meanwhile, his enemy Haman was promoted and honored.

It's easy to become discouraged when we see evil appearing to prosper while righteousness goes unrewarded. But God wants us to understand that just because He's not working in the visible way we expect doesn't mean He's not working at all. Sometimes God operates outside the box, orchestrating circumstances in ways we can't see or understand in the moment.

The book of Esther is unique in that God's name is never explicitly mentioned. Yet His providential hand is clearly at work throughout the story, aligning events and positioning people for His purposes. It's a powerful reminder that even when we can't see or hear God, He is still present and active.

God often allows plot twists in the stories of our lives - unexpected turns that create suspense and drama. But these are not random or meaningless. They are intentionally crafted by the Author of our faith to draw us in, build our character, and set the stage for something greater.

Just as a good writer uses plot twists to create a more compelling story, God uses the twists and turns of our lives to produce something beautiful in the end. Romans 8:28 assures us that "all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose." The key is to keep trusting God even when we're suspended in that place of uncertainty.

Mordecai demonstrates what faithfulness looks like in those difficult seasons. Despite years of apparent neglect, he continued showing up day after day to serve the king. He didn't become bitter or resentful. He kept doing what was right, trusting that God would eventually bring justice.

There's an important lesson here about continuing to worship and serve God even when we're not getting what we think we deserve. It's easy to praise God when everything is going well. But true faith perseveres through the storms, continuing to trust God's character even when circumstances don't make sense.

As the saying goes, "It has to rain before you can reap." Sometimes we expect an immediate harvest after sowing seeds of obedience. But often there is a season of rain - of trials and testing - before the harvest comes. Just as a farmer must patiently endure storms before seeing his crops grow, we must learn to rejoice in the rain, trusting that God is germinating something good beneath the surface of our lives.

The story of Mordecai takes a dramatic turn in Esther chapter 6. Just when it seemed all hope was lost and the Jewish people faced annihilation, God orchestrated an incredible reversal. Unable to sleep one night, the king happened to read about Mordecai's unrewarded good deed in the royal chronicles. This led to Mordecai finally receiving the honor he deserved, while his enemy Haman was humiliated.

This sudden change of fortune demonstrates God's impeccable timing and sense of poetic justice. Often when it looks like evil is about to triumph, God shows up in unexpected ways to turn the tables. The very gallows Haman built to hang Mordecai became the instrument of his own demise.

We see this pattern throughout Scripture - Joseph sold into slavery only to become Egypt's prime minister, Daniel thrown in the lions' den only to be promoted, Jesus crucified only to rise again in victory. God specializes in taking what the enemy means for evil and using it for good.

There's an important principle here: don't give up too soon. Often when things look darkest, we're on the verge of a breakthrough. If we throw in the towel right before God is about to move, we miss out on seeing His power displayed. That's why perseverance and patient endurance are such vital qualities for believers to cultivate.

The story of Mordecai reminds us that God has not forgotten us, even when circumstances suggest otherwise. He is intimately aware of every detail of our lives - our struggles, our faithfulness, our unrewarded good deeds. He is working behind the scenes, orchestrating events and aligning circumstances for our good and His glory.

So what should we do when we find ourselves in that place of suspended animation, waiting for God to move? Here are a few key takeaways:

1. Keep showing up. Continue to faithfully serve God and others, even when you're not seeing results.

2. Trust God's timing. His delays are not denials. He knows the perfect moment to act.

3. Look for God's hand at work in unexpected places. He often moves in subtle, providential ways we might overlook.

4. Maintain an eternal perspective. This life is just one chapter in a much larger story God is writing.

5. Praise God in advance. Thank Him for what He's going to do before you see it manifest.

6. Remember past deliverances. Reflect on how God has come through for you before.

7. Take comfort in God's character. He is good, just, and faithful even when circumstances aren't.

Life is full of plot twists, cliffhangers, and moments of suspense. But we can face them with confidence knowing the Author of our faith is good and His plans for us are good. He has not forgotten you. He sees your faithfulness. And He will come through right on time.

So don't give up. Keep trusting. Keep serving. Keep worshipping. Your breakthrough may be just around the corner. God is setting the stage for something amazing in your life. And when He finally moves, it will be worth the wait.
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