The Tables Turned

Opening Verse:

“And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath went into the palace garden: and Haman stood up to make request for his life to Esther the queen; for he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king.”
Esther 7:7 (KJV)

Introduction:

In this pivotal moment, Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews is exposed, and his desperate attempt to save himself highlights the consequences of pride and wicked schemes. The God who sees all brings justice, showing that He is always working on behalf of His people, even when the odds seem stacked against them.

Devotional Story:

A powerful CEO, renowned for his ruthless decisions, once schemed to sabotage a colleague he saw as a threat. For years, he manipulated circumstances to ensure his rival’s downfall. However, at the peak of his success, his deceit was exposed. In a dramatic twist, the board voted to remove him, and his rival was promoted to his position.

This story reflects the turn of events in Esther 7. Haman, filled with pride and hatred, sought to destroy Mordecai and the Jewish people. Yet, God’s providence worked through Esther’s courage and obedience, revealing Haman’s plans and securing justice for His people. Just as pride goes before destruction (Proverbs 16:18), Haman’s downfall came swiftly and decisively.

What This Means:

God’s justice cannot be thwarted. Haman’s story is a powerful reminder that no scheme against God’s people will prosper. Even in the face of injustice, we can trust that God sees, knows, and acts in His perfect timing. His providence ensures that the tables will always turn in favor of His purposes.

Think About This:

  • Are you trusting God to bring justice in a difficult situation?
  • How can you, like Esther, be courageous in the face of opposition?
  • Reflect on Romans 8:31: “If God be for us, who can be against us?”

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for being a God of justice and righteousness. Help us to trust in Your timing and sovereignty, even when we face injustice. Give us the courage to stand for what is right, knowing that You are always working on behalf of Your people. Amen.

Closing Verse:

“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.”
Isaiah 54:17 (KJV)

Trusting God in Battle

Opening Verse

“The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord.” – Proverbs 21:31 (KJV)

Introduction

The wisdom of Proverbs often speaks to the balance between human effort and divine providence. This verse captures the essence of preparedness and trust.

Devotional Story

In a small village, there was a farmer who owned a horse. When rumors of war reached his ears, he decided to train and prepare his horse for battle. Every day, he would spend hours ensuring the horse was strong, fast, and obedient. Neighbors admired his dedication but also reminded him, “Trust not only in your horse but also in the Lord.”

One night, as the threat of conflict became imminent, the farmer couldn’t sleep. He went outside to pray, seeking assurance beyond his preparations. In that moment of prayer, he felt a profound peace, realizing that true safety comes from God.

The next day, against all odds, the village remained untouched by war. The farmer’s horse, though prepared, was never needed in battle. The farmer learned firsthand that while it’s wise to prepare, ultimate safety and victory lie in God’s hands.

What This Means

This story illustrates the balance between doing our part and relying on God. Preparing the horse symbolizes our responsibility to prepare and work diligently. However, recognizing that safety and success ultimately come from the Lord teaches us humility and trust in His divine plan.

Think About This

How often do you rely solely on your preparations and efforts, forgetting to place your trust in God? Reflect on areas in your life where you need to seek God’s guidance and trust in His protection and plan.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, grant us the wisdom to prepare diligently for the challenges ahead, but let us never forget that our safety and success come from You alone. Help us to trust in Your divine will and to seek Your protection in every aspect of our lives. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5 (KJV)