MARCH 30

Esther 9:1-6, 15-16

THE BATTLE IS THE LORD’S

All preparation from both sides led to this day. In every province, Jews  gathered themselves together to stand for their lives. They were prepared to fight anyone who dared to hurt them. The Jews were not isolated.As Mordecai ruled the empire, he grew in power and his name was one to be feared. Anyone who went against Mordecai and his people, would end up like Haman. If a great figure like Haman was not spared, what more the rest! us, the Jews received great amounts of help from leaders of all the provinces.

Fierce battles took place around the empire. In Shushan the palace, the Jews destroyed 500 of their enemies.The battle even continued to the next day, with more attacking the Jews.The enemies failed and another 300 of them were destroyed. In other provinces, 75,000 enemies who tried to kill the Jews were destroyed. Imagine the great hatred so many had for the Jews! But they had complete victory.

As we consider the battles fought and won, we must ask ourselves how victory was won by the Jews. Was it by their strength, or clever war tactics? Dear reader, it was God who delivered them. They prepared and fought, but the victory was from the Lord! Even the leaders of the land helped them! All this was the mighty work of a sovereign God.

Dear young friend, are you in a battle not of your choosing? Perhaps because you are a Christian, you face opposition from family and friends. There may be those who try to challenge you and find ways to make you fall or give up. Don’t be afraid of them. Stand with the Lord, He will provide you help in time of need! Stand with other believers too, for you cannot fight alone. Have faith, for the battle is the Lord’s.
      To stand and ght the Lord’s battles is to:
       • Be a Christian
       • Keep God’s truth in your heart and mind
       • Share the gospel with friends and loved ones
       • Have faith in God
       • Remember the hope of salvation
       • Use God’s Word to answer and overcome any attacks
       • Pray always

Thought: I do my part to stand and ght. But victory is from the Lord.
Prayer: Father in Heaven, Help me to stand strong on Your Word without wavering, and stand together with fellow believers to fight Your battles. In Jesus’ name, Amen.