As we approach Purim (this year it begins at sundown Monday, March 2, 2026 and continues through Tuesday, March 3, 2026), I keep coming back to one simple truth from the book of Esther:
God can be doing a lot even when you can’t see His name written on the page.
That’s one of the most striking things about Esther, God’s name isn’t explicitly mentioned, yet His fingerprints are everywhere. Purim is the yearly reminder that hidden does not mean absent.
What Purim is about
Purim comes from the word “pur” meaning “lot,” because Haman cast lots to choose the date of destruction for the Jewish people (Esther 3:7). A decree was written. The threat was real. The future looked sealed.
But God turned it. The king issued a counter-decree that allowed the Jewish people to defend themselves, and what was meant for destruction became deliverance (Esther 8–9).
Through the courage of Esther, the wisdom of Mordecai, and a “behind-the-scenes” chain of events that only God could orchestrate, what was meant for annihilation became deliverance. What was meant for mourning became rejoicing.
Purim celebrates that reversal:
“Their sorrow was turned into gladness and their mourning into a day of celebration.” (Esther 9:22)
What Purim represents spiritually
Purim isn’t just a history lesson, it’s a pattern:
1) The enemy writes a plot.
Fear increases. Pressure rises. The threat feels final.
2) God positions people quietly.
Esther didn’t “accidentally” become queen. Mordecai didn’t “randomly” overhear a plot. The king didn’t “just happen” to lose sleep.
3) There’s a call to consecration.
Esther calls for prayer and fasting (Esther 4:16). Before the breakthrough, there’s often a holy refining.
4) Courage is required.
Esther must speak. “If I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:16)
Purim reminds us: sometimes deliverance comes through someone who decides to stand.
5) Reversal comes.
The decree doesn’t win. God makes a way, even when the enemy thought the paperwork was finished.
That’s why Purim matters: it declares that evil doesn’t get the last word.
The Jewish customs of Purim (and why they matter)
Purim is traditionally celebrated with four key practices:
- Reading the Megillah (Book of Esther)
Because testimony strengthens faith. We retell the deliverance so we don’t forget what God can do. - Giving to the poor (matanot la’evyonim)
Because joy isn’t meant to be hoarded. Purim joy becomes generosity. - Sending food gifts to friends (mishloach manot)
Because community matters. Purim is not a private victory, it’s a shared one. - A festive meal (se’udah)
Because God turned mourning into feasting, and we honor the turning.
Even if you observe Purim simply as a biblical moment, these practices carry wisdom: Word, generosity, relationship, celebration.
What it can mean for us right now
Leading up to Purim, many people notice something:
what was hidden starts surfacing.
Old fears. Old patterns. Family cycles. Childhood wounds. “Agreements” you didn’t realize you made, like:
- “I have to control everything to be safe.”
- “If I’m not perfect, I’ll be rejected.”
- “I’m responsible for everyone’s emotions.”
- “Something bad will happen if I relax.”
Sometimes God reveals these not to shame us, but to free us.
Purim teaches us that exposure can be mercy, because you can’t break what you refuse to name.
A Purim “pathway” you can walk this week
If you want to engage this season intentionally, here’s a simple rhythm that anyone can understand:
1) Remember
Ask: What has God already brought me through?
Re-read Esther. Let your faith come back through remembrance.
2) Consecrate
Ask: What needs to be surrendered before my next step?
This is where prayer and fasting become powerful, not to twist God’s arm, but to align your heart.
3) Speak with courage
Ask: What truth do I need to say out loud?
To God, to yourself, or to the right person. Esther didn’t stay silent.
4) Release and replace
Ask: What do I need to repent of, forgive, and renounce?
Then replace it with truth. (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 10:5)
5) Choose joy on purpose
Ask: What does celebration look like for me?
Sometimes joy is a meal. Sometimes it’s rest. Sometimes it’s giving. Sometimes it’s worship.
A simple prayer for Purim season
Father, thank You that You are working even when I cannot see it.
Where the enemy has written a plot, I ask You to overturn it.
Where fear has ruled, bring peace.
Where old patterns have lived, bring freedom.
Where I need courage, strengthen me.
Where I need healing, restore me.
And as You bring reversal, teach me to walk in joy and generosity.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
A closing encouragement
Purim is proof that a decree can be written and still be overcome.
So if you’re in a season where things are being revealed, don’t panic.
God may be doing what He does best: bringing hidden things into the light, positioning you for courage, and preparing a turnaround that becomes a testimony.
Because the story doesn’t end with the threat.
It ends with deliverance.
“For such a time as this.” (Esther 4:14)
“Sorrow was turned into gladness.” (Esther 9:22)
