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Today's Devotion
From Dr. David Jeremiah
The Opposite Occurred
May 21, 2026
On the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, the opposite occurred.
Esther 9:1
Recommended Reading:
Esther 9:1-59 Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day, the time came for the king’s command and his decree to be executed. On the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, the opposite occurred, in that the Jews themselves overpowered those who hated them. 2 The Jews gathered together in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm. And no one could withstand them, because fear of them fell upon all people. 3 And all the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and all those doing the king’s work, helped the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them. 4 For Mordecai was great in the king’s palace, and his fame spread throughout all the provinces; for this man Mordecai became increasingly prominent. 5 Thus the Jews defeated all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, with slaughter and destruction, and did what they pleased with those who hated them.
Esther 9:1-5
The book of Esther describes a plot to annihilate the Jewish people. It fails because of two brave people—Mordecai and Esther. The name of God is not mentioned in the book, but that’s the point. When God seemed absent and danger was near, the invisible hand of our Lord was working behind the scenes to save and deliver His people.
Sometimes we face danger or sorrow, and we wonder if God is near. Yes, He is! His eye is watching, His hand is moving, and His grace is available. That’s why we can be thankful even in tense times. The devil may threaten to undo us, but in the providence of God’s grace the opposite will occur.
That’s why we’re called to be thankful. In coming days, we’ll look back and see all the times and places where God has been faithful to us. Be sure each day to think of all God has done for you and ask Him to give you a spirit of gratitude regardless of the circumstances.
The Lord’s wisdom is seen in arranging the smallest events so as to produce great results. Everything, the most minute … as well as the most magnificent, is ordered by the Lord.
Charles Spurgeon
