Esther 6

At the end of the last chapter, the situation seemed darkest for Mordecai who was about to be killed on the gallows and his people the Jews to be annihilated.   Yet, in this chapter we start to see a turn of events.  Because the king is unable to sleep, he has the chronicles read to him, which "happen to be" at the record five years ago when Mordecai helped stop a plot against the king.  Wanting to honor Mordecai now, the king calls in whoever is at the court, which "happens to be" Haman.  So, instead of being able to request Mordecai be hung, Haman is now told to carry out the honors for Mordecai that he thought was going to be for himself.   While Mordecai just goes back to "business as usual" after being robed like a king and paraded publicly in honor, Haman goes home to a pity party of shame.   His wife and advisors now predict his downfall; right before he is taken to Queen Esther's second banquet.  The situation now is very different from that during the first banquet; which seems to indicate the reason behind the delay - God's perfect Timing and Plan.

In this chapter, we see God's Hand at work in the seemingly little "coincidences" - the king's insomnia, the reading of the record on Mordecai, and Haman's presence at the court at exactly that time.  As a result, Mordecai is honored and Haman is humiliated, and we see the beginning of hope for ultimate deliverance.

11-Aug:  This lesson tied in so well with the Pastor's message from Psalm 91 on Sunday, in that during dark and difficult times, we can trust God to be our Protector and Deliverer.   So, as in Mordecai's case, even as he saw the gallows loom overhead, he was protected under the shadow of the wings of the Almighty.  God is at works in ways we may not even know.  
Also, this passage clearly shows a contrast between Mordecai's and Haman's characters.   Mordecai was humble and did not exult in worldly honor; and no matter what, he stood firm in his convictions to do right.   However, Haman was not strong enough to stand firm in his biases against Mordecai, and when requested by the king, he capitulated in showing honor to Mordecai.
Imagine Mordecai's surprise, that when he saw Haman coming.  Rather than the expected death sentence on the gallows, he was robed in honor, placed on a horse, and paraded through the city.   So, be in anticipation of how God can surprise us with His wondrous workings.