When [the king] saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter.

- Esther 5:2

As we reflected on yesterday, we don’t know exactly why the king was favorably disposed toward Esther and spared her life. Was it a good mood or an answer to prayer? This tension always arises when we pray.

The narrator of the story invites us into this tension. We aren’t told that God acted. We are left to decide whether to give him credit or not. We are left with a choice.

When we choose to give God credit for good things that happen to us, this sparks a virtuous cycle in our lives. Choosing to give God credit develops in us the habit of seeing where he’s at work. This increases our confidence that God will show up when we need him. And this confidence increases our willingness to take faithful risks to love and serve, risks that are covered in prayer.

Choosing to credit God grows our sense of connection with God’s great story in the world.

Don’t just give God credit for answered prayer because he deserves it (he does!) or because it will make you happier (it will!), but also because it shapes our patterns, behaviors and whole outlook on life.

Where do you need to give God some credit today?