Day 44: From Deliverance to the Furnace of Testing

Dr. John W. Mulinde
Aug 12
2 min read

Today’s Reading: Esther 7–10; Job 1–7

Date: Wednesday, 13th August 2025

The Story Behind the Story

The tables turn. In a dramatic reversal, Haman is hanged on the very gallows he built for Mordecai. The Jews are empowered to defend themselves, and a season of joy replaces the shadow of destruction. Purim is instituted to remember God’s deliverance for generations to come.

But in Job, the tone shifts from celebration to suffering. A righteous man is stripped of wealth, children, and health in a series of crushing blows. Job’s world collapses, not because of his sin, but because of a heavenly test. His raw lament reveals that faith is not proven in prosperity but in perseverance when nothing makes sense.

Reading Instructions

Read Esther 7–10 with eyes open to the God who overturns the plans of the wicked. Note the joy that comes when God’s people are vindicated.Then read Job 1–7 slowly, feeling the weight of Job’s loss and the depth of his questions. This is not just a story about patience—it’s about trusting God’s goodness when His ways are hidden.

Guided Devotional

1. Who Is God?

The God Who Overturns Evil – He reverses decrees, humbles the proud, and exalts the faithful.
The God Who Defends His People – In Esther, He fights without His name being mentioned once, showing His unseen sovereignty.
The God Who Allows Testing for Greater Glory – In Job, He permits trials not to destroy but to prove the integrity of faith.

2. What Are the Ways of God?

He Brings Justice in His Time – Haman’s downfall came at the perfect moment to reveal His hand.
He Turns Mourning into Celebration – What was meant for destruction became a memorial of victory.
He Refines Faith Through the Furnace – Job’s suffering wasn’t punishment but a proving ground for steadfast trust.

3. What Is His Character?

Righteous and Just – Evil does not escape His judgment.
Faithful and Protective – Even in Job’s trials, God set boundaries on the enemy’s power.
Compassionate Yet Sovereign – His purposes are higher than our understanding, yet His heart is tender toward His children.

Golden Nugget

God’s deliverance and God’s testing are two sides of the same truth—He is sovereign over both victory and trial, and in each, He is working for His glory and our eternal good.

Prayer

Father, I praise You as the God who delivers and the God who sustains in trial. Thank You for turning the plans of the enemy into platforms for Your glory. When I face seasons like Job, help me to trust even when I cannot trace Your hand. Teach me to worship You in victory and in the valley. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Activation Challenge

Celebrate God’s Past Victories: Remember a time God reversed a situation for your good—share it with someone today as a testimony.
Strengthen Your Faith for Trials: Write down truths about God’s character you can hold onto when suffering comes.
Pray for Endurance: Intercede for someone currently in a season of deep testing, that their faith will not fail.