Girl, I Have Thoughts

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
— Romans 8:28

Someone asked me this question on a missions trip, and I didn’t expect it to stick with me the way it did:

“Which Bible character do you relate to the most?”

At first, I didn’t really have an answer. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized the answer changes depending on the season of life you’re in.

For a long time, I would have said Esther.

In the story of Esther, God is never directly mentioned. He doesn’t overtly act, and yet you can see His hand in everything. From her intentional placement in the palace, to her prayer and fasting for courage, to the moment she reveals her identity to the king — God is working behind the scenes the entire time.

Even the king’s response feels like quiet evidence of God’s presence. His heart softens toward Esther and her people, despite the Persian Empire’s history of harsh and tyrannical leadership.

I’ve always connected with that kind of faith — the kind that isn’t loud or obvious, but steady and intentional. Esther’s quiet boldness and feminine leadership resonate with me. She didn’t start as the most powerful person in the room, but she stepped into courage when it mattered.

But more than that, I think I’ve related to Esther most in seasons where I’ve struggled deeply with depression and my faith.

There were times when I didn’t feel God at all. Not in worship, not in prayer, not in the quiet moments where you’re told you’re supposed to feel Him the most. He felt distant, silent — almost absent.

And that was confusing, because I thought faith was supposed to feel like something.

But Esther’s story gave me a different perspective.

She never hears God speak directly. There’s no burning bush, no audible voice, no miracle moment where everything becomes clear. And yet, when you step back and look at her story, it’s impossible to miss Him. Every detail — where she was placed, the timing, the courage she found — points back to God working behind the scenes.

That changed the way I understood my own faith.

It reminded me that just because I don’t feel God doesn’t mean He isn’t there. It doesn’t mean He isn’t working. Sometimes, faith isn’t emotional or obvious — sometimes it’s quiet, steady trust.

And sometimes, faith looks like having the courage to step forward even when you don’t feel anything at all.

But recently, I’ve also started to see myself in David.

David is called a man after God’s own heart, yet he falls so far from grace. His life is full of highs and lows — victories and failures, deep worship and deep sin. And yet, God never lets go of him.

The Psalms reflect that tension. One moment they’re full of joy and praise, the next they’re full of confusion, grief, and desperation.

If I’m being honest, that feels more like my life.

There are days I feel close to God, full of peace and clarity. And then there are days where everything feels messy and uncertain. But somehow, through all of it, the joy of the Lord is still there.

And maybe that’s the point.

Maybe the question isn’t about finding the “right” character — maybe it’s about recognizing where you are right now.

So I’m curious — which Bible character do you relate to most?

Here are a few to get you thinking:

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Esther

Esther 4:14

“And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

Esther’s story is one of quiet courage. God isn’t explicitly mentioned, but His presence is woven through every moment. She steps into a role she didn’t choose and finds the strength to act when it matters most. If you feel like you’ve been placed somewhere unexpectedly, Esther might resonate.

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David

Acts 13:22

“I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart…”

David is emotional, passionate, and imperfect. He experiences deep closeness with God but also falls into serious sin. His life reflects both joy and struggle, faith and questioning. If your relationship with God feels like a mix of highs and lows, David might feel familiar.

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Moses

Exodus 4:10

“Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent…”

Moses felt unqualified when God called him. He doubted himself and questioned whether he was the right person. Yet God still used him to lead an entire nation. If you feel called but not ready, Moses might be your person.

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Peter

Matthew 14:30

“But when he saw the wind, he was afraid…”

Peter is bold, impulsive, and human. He steps out in faith but also falters. He denies Jesus, yet is restored and used powerfully. If you’re trying your best but don’t always get it right, Peter might resonate.

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Mary (Mother of Jesus)

Luke 1:38

“I am the Lord’s servant… May your word to me be fulfilled.”

Mary represents quiet obedience and trust. She accepts a calling that completely changes her life without knowing what comes next. If you’re in a season of surrender and trust, Mary might feel close to you.

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Job

Job 1:21

“The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away…”

Job’s story is one of suffering and endurance. He questions, grieves, and wrestles with God, but he doesn’t walk away. If you’re in a hard season and still holding on, Job might resonate.

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Paul

2 Corinthians 12:9

“My grace is sufficient for you…”

Paul’s life is marked by transformation. He goes from persecuting Christians to becoming one of the most influential voices in the early church. If you feel called to something big or have experienced deep change, Paul might connect with you.

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Deborah

Judges 4:4–5

“Now Deborah, a prophet… was leading Israel at that time.”

Deborah was a judge, leader, and prophet in a time when that was incredibly uncommon for a woman. She led with wisdom, courage, and authority while still pointing people back to God. If you feel called to lead — especially in spaces where you don’t always feel expected — Deborah might resonate.

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Saul

1 Samuel 15:22–23

“To obey is better than sacrifice…”

Saul started as a chosen leader but slowly drifted away from obedience to God. His story is a warning about pride, control, and losing sight of God’s voice. If you’ve ever felt yourself drifting or struggling with control, Saul’s story might hit close to home.

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John the Baptist

John 3:30

“He must become greater; I must become less.”

John the Baptist had a powerful calling, but his role was to prepare the way for Jesus — not to stay in the spotlight. When Jesus came, John stepped back. If you’re in a season of letting go, stepping aside, or learning humility, John might resonate.

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Your turn

I’ll go first: Esther and David.