by Michele Cheresnick, LAS, Affiliation Services Coordinator

Purim, the celebration of deliverance in the Book of Esther, has just passed.  It reminds us that God works even when He seems hidden. It's a time to remember how God saved His people from destruction in Persia. A story of dramatic reversal: a death decree overturned, mourning turned into joy, fear replaced with feasting.

But before the celebration, there was prayer.

When Esther learned of the threat against her people, she called for fasting. Before she approached the king, she sought God. Though His name is never mentioned in the book, His presence is unmistakable. The victory began in a hidden surrender.

Purim reminds us that deliverance is often born in prayer.

As Christians, we see the greater fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Before the cross, Jesus prayed. Before resurrection joy, there was surrender in the garden. Our greatest reversal — from sin to salvation — flowed through prayerful obedience.

Now that Purim has passed, the invitation remains:

• Pray in crisis.
  
  
• Pray in calm.
  
  
• Pray when God seems silent.
  
  

The God who reversed the decree still hears. And He still moves when His people pray.