This Very Day God is in Control
On this day, the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but now the tables were turned and the Jews got the upper hand over those who hated them. (Esther 9:1b)
Esther 9:1-2, 4:10-14; Job 5:12; Isa. 40:22-23, 40:11; Jer. 20:11; Rom. 8:28
What Is God Saying?
Our key verse affirms God's sovereignty. The Jews in Shushan, staying behind after the exile, were hated and despised. They were struggling for survival. They were on the verge of annihilation. The dramatic interplay of power and intrigue, of moral courage vis-à-vis hidden strategy, gives a modern ring to this ancient book. Since it stresses that God and good will ultimately triumph, it has been a continuing source of encouragement across the centuries. Every year on the 28th of February, people gather for the Feast of Purim and read the Book of Esther. It is a time of rejoicing.
Purim means dice, the method Haman used to set the date for the Jews' extermination. ‘On the very day’ that was set by the throwing of dice, God's sovereign power prevailed. The victims became the victors. The despised were honored. By the providence of God and Esther’s courage, evil intent resulted in good.
How Does This Apply To Us?
We can trust that God is in control through every trial, against all opposition, and despite every obstacle. He is in control now. On the very day when things look dark and threatening, God is with us. He will, he can, and he does change apparent defeat into victory. Our part is to trust completely and obey absolutely.
Truth forever on the scaffold, wrong forever on the throne,
Yet that scaffold sways the future, and behind the dim unknown
Standeth God within the shadow, keeping watch above His own.
James Russell Lowell, The Present Crisis
Pray With Me
Lord, when you say, “Be of good cheer! I have overcome the world,” it is neither wishful thinking nor an illusion of grandeur. It is a sober fact and a solid reality. The enemy is subdued. The Lord is triumphant. Victory is not something that needs to come only after a long and anxious wait. The triumph of Christ is now. Your help is near. It is always on time. When everything seems to go wrong and the powers of evil seem to have the upper hand, I will trust that ‘on that very day,’ you will deliver.
Give me confidence in your power to change the day of defeat into a day of victory. Help me know that you are present even when I feel most alone. Help me know the strength of your indwelling spirit even when I feel weak and inadequate. Help me face the enemy by focusing on you, the living, risen, all-conquering Savior whose help never comes too late.
Lord Jesus, you are the same yesterday, today, and forever. While you never change, it is in your power to cause change. On the very day when my enemies gloat, you will banish darkness, hope will conquer fear, and good will vanquish evil.
To the praise of Your name, O changeless and always conquering Christ. Amen.
Moving On In The Life of Prayer
Just as Esther dared to walk into the King's presence on behalf of her people to save them from extermination, so we can have the desire and the faith to come before the King of all kings and ask of him great things for ourselves and for those whom we love, we can have the courage of Esther to ask; for nothing is too great or too little for him.
