“On the very day when the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, the opposite occurred, in that the Jews themselves overpowered those who hated them.”
— Esther 9:1 (NKJV)
There is something breathtaking about those words: the opposite occurred. Three months ago, I found myself reflecting on the Book of Esther—especially the moment when God took what the enemy of the Jews, Haman, intended for evil and turned it for their good. Out of that crisis, a celebration was born: Purim. The Scripture tells us:
“For Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them and had cast the pur (that is, the lot) for their ruin and destruction. But when the plot came to the king’s attention, he issued written orders that the evil scheme Haman had devised against the Jews should come back onto his own head, and that he and his sons should be impaled on poles. (Therefore these days were called Purim, from the word pur.)” (Esther 9:24–26, NIV)
What was meant to annihilate God’s people became the very reason for their celebration. The decree of destruction was overturned. The tables were turned. Mourning was transformed into joy.
Lately, my own life has felt like a series of Purims. This year began with “decrees” I never saw coming—battles I had not prepared for and challenges I did not anticipate. Yet time and again, I have watched God intervene. I have seen His Word overrule what was spoken against me. I have witnessed Him flip the script in my favour. That is why Isaiah 54:17 (NKJV) has become my favourite Bible verse:
“No weapon formed against you shall prosper,
And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
And their righteousness is from Me,” says the Lord.
Purim is more than a historical celebration. It is a reminder that God has the final word. It is proof that what the enemy plans for harm can become the platform for testimony. It declares that no decree outranks God’s decree. And that is why I celebrate Purim. Because when you personally witness God step in, reverse the verdict, and turn the tables, celebration is no longer optional—it is inevitable.
Rising with the Son 