Lessons from Esther: The fateful day

1 Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king’s commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;) 2 The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them fell upon all people. 3 And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers of the king, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them. 4 For Mordecai was great in the king’s house, and his fame went out throughout all the provinces: for this man Mordecai waxed greater and greater. 5Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction, and did what they would unto those that hated them. Esther 9:1-5

The “fateful” day arrives, the day of death for the Jews, which was the original plan from Haman. The hand of God has “turned the tables” on the enemies of the Jews.

The Jews have banded together and made plans of attack and plans of protection. A curious thing has taken place, in verse 2 it says “the fear of them fell upon all people.” Not only could they now stand up for themselves but a fear has fallen over their enemies.

The battles are fierce and deadly and the Jews are winning at every turn.

As I read, again I can see the hand of God. The Jews have gone from a people of no hope to a people with hope abounding as they win battle after battle.

We may not face physical hand to hand battles as the Jews faced during Esther’s time, but we do face daily battles. For each battle we face there is a solution in God’s word.

Below are a few ‘battles” I have been in, some victorious, and some I’m still working on.

Problems with anger

James 1:19-20; Proverbs 14:16-17; Proverbs 14:29; I Corinthians 13:4-5 Proverbs 15:18; Proverbs 25:28; Proverbs 29:22; Proverbs 15:18

Problems with forgiveness

Matthew 6:12; Matthew 6:14-15; Matthew 18:21-22; Matthew 23:25; Ephesians 4:31-32; Matthew 11:25

Problems with mouth/tongue

Psalm 34:13-14; Psalm 35:28; Psalm 19:14 Ecclesiastes 5:2; James 1:26; Ephesians 4:29; Titus 3:2

Problems with contentment

Phil 4:11; I Timothy 6:8 II Corinthians 10:12

This is just the tip of the iceberg in the problems/battles we may face. The Bible has the answer. We need to be willing to search for the answers. After searching we need to apply what we learned to our lives, sometimes it means changing the way we do things or taking things out of our lives (sinful acts/deeds etc.) or putting things into our lives (family time/reading the Word etc). Whatever the battle, God is with us. He gives us the strength of His Word to endure the trials.

For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me. Psalm 18:39

Have a blessed day,
Donna