For Reading and Meditation:
Esther 8:1-2
With Haman dead, a new day is about to dawn in the great empire of Persia. Esther, recognizing that this is the right moment to introduce her foster-father, Mordecai, to the king, brings him with her into the king's presence. When the king sees for the first time the man who saved his life, he is filled with delight and proceeds at once to elevate him to a high position in the land. Now the Almighty, instead of having just one of His people set up in a strategic position in Persia, has two. Mordecai receives from the king the ring that once belonged to Haman and is appointed as the manager of Haman's estate. The one thing that makes all of God's plans undefeatable is His foreknowledge. Because He sees everything that is going to happen in the future, He is able to anticipate events and outmaneuver whatever may be contrary to His purposes. Satan does not possess foreknowledge. He probably has a good deal of intuition, and a keen sense of anticipation, but he cannot foresee the future in the way God can. This is quite clear from the events that took place at the Cross. Satan thought he had brought Christ down into death, but found that the very thing he planned would defeat Christ - the Cross - actually contributed to His greatest victory. You can go out into the day knowing that God has foreseen every trick that the devil may use upon you, and outwit and outmaneuver him in a way that will enrich your life and bring glory to Christ's Name. God alone knows the end from the beginning. Never forget that!
Father, I am consoled by the thought that You and You alone know the end from the beginning. Though Satan is obviously a being of great power and ability, he is clearly no match for You. I am so grateful.