Esther 9:26 Therefore these days were called Purim, from the word pur.

The Book of Esther commemorates a major event in Jewish history, but it is the only book in the Bible that never mentions the name of God. It is certainly a tale of God’s deliverance, but God’s hand in it all is implied rather than expressed. The “mover and shaker” in the story is Mordecai, who had raised Esther because she was an orphan after the fall of Jerusalem. (Esther 2:7) For believers today, the high point in the story comes at the end of chapter 4, when Mordecai tells Esther, “Who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” And she responds, “I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:14, 16) Of course the result is a great deliverance for the Jews in Persia, resulting in the only Jewish holiday that is not mandated in the Pentateuch. As this verse indicates, even the name isn’t from Hebrew, and so needed to be explained. All of that aside, the fact remains that this was a miraculous deliverance, reversing the plot of someone who was obviously inspired by the devil and turning it around for blessing for the Jews. This certainly brings to mind Romans 8:28! Not all of God’s miracles are overtly “religious.” We need to have open hearts and eyes to see Him at work and give Him the credit He is due.

God has worked for my blessing in countless ways, and probably the vast majority of them would not be recognized as “acts of God” by anyone without faith. I am not to fall into a secular mindset, but remember constantly that God is intimately interested and involved in His creation, and specifically in my life. After all, Jesus said that He even keeps track of how many hairs I have on my head! (Matthew 10:30) I am to make use of the opportunities God gives me to point out His works to those around me who don’t know Him, so that they too may have their eyes opened to see and recognize Him, and turn to Him in repentance and faith.

Father, thank You indeed for the opportunities You give me to testify of Your goodness. Thank You for all the testimonies that were given in the service yesterday, and especially for the man who came and seemed to enjoy everything so much. He seems hungry for You, and that’s exciting. I pray that he would quickly commit his life to You, the only One who can save him, so that he may join us in Your family and in turn draw many others as well, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!