“…On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but now the tables were turned and the Jews got the upper hand…” Esther 9:1 NIV
The enemy is always hoping to overpower the people of God! Peter describes him as a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour! Every Christian knows what it feels like to have a target on his back, but be encouraged, God can turn the tables and give His children the upper hand!
Let’s back up a little bit in the story and see what led up to Esther 9:1. There are some parallels in this story that give us insight regarding the spiritual warfare we face as believers.
When Haman saw that Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor, he was enraged. Esther 3:5 NIV
What was it that Satan said to Jesus when he took him to the top of the mountain and showed him the kingdoms of the world? “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Satan is always trying to steal the honor that is due to God alone! He may not ask us to actually bow in his presence, but we can be sure, every time we give in to the temptation of sin, that’s exactly what we’re doing!
Yet having learned who Mordecai’s people were, he scorned the idea of killing only Mordecai. Instead Haman looked for a way to destroy all Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the whole kingdom of Xerxes. Esther 3:6 NIV
Have you ever noticed that you alone are never the sole target of the enemy? There is always collateral damage when the enemy comes after us! He seeks to destroy our families and our closest brothers and sisters in Christ. That’s why it’s so important to stand strong! We fight not just for ourselves, but for all those we love.
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 1 Corinthians 10:4 NIV
So how do we fight the enemy? What weapon did Esther, Mordecai and all the Jews in Susa use?
“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” Esther 4:16 NIV
Esther called for all God’s people to fast and pray before she implemented any other plan! Prayer was her first and most important point of action! Esther knew that the enemy hoped to overpower them and she also knew that God was the only one who could turn the tables and give them the upper hand. She was willing to put her life on the line to defend the people, but only after seeking God through fasting and prayer!
On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king’s hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance. When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. Then the king asked, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you.” Esther 5:1:3 NIV
When the king saw Queen Esther standing in his court, he was pleased with her. We too have a King, who is pleased when we enter His court! He beckons us to come to Him when we are weary and burdened.
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7 NIV
We know how the story of Esther ends; on the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, God answered their prayers. He stepped in and turned the tables. He changed what seemed like an impossible situation and gave His people the upper hand. That’s what He wants to do for you and I too! We are not powerless against the enemy’s attacks! But it all starts with prayer and fasting! Will you take the time to earnestly seek God and ask Him to turn the tables and give you the upper hand?
No weapon formed against you needs to prevail, for this is the heritage of the servants of the Lord! (Isaiah 54:17)