God’s Purpose

“And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!” So Mordecai went his way and did according to all that Esther commanded him.” Esther‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬-‭17‬ ‭‬‬

This fast was called by Esther for herself because she needed to go before the king on behalf of her people. There was a plot by Haaman to destroy all the Jews because of his hatred for Mordecai, Esther‘s cousin. Haaman asked the king to issue decree for the Jews to be destroyed on a specific day. When Mordecai got wind of it, he sent word to Esther, who had been taken in as queen by the king. Mordevai was pleading with her to intervene. Esther knew that if she went to the king without being summoned, she would likely be killed. Or in the slight chance the king did extend his golden ceptor, she might be heard. Esther requested the Jews in the region to pray for her and do a three day fast.

What can I learn from this passage about fasting?

• Sometimes many people may fast on behalf of a single person‘s need.
• This was a citywide fast of a specific people group.
• It was a three day three night fast of no food or water.
• We never know God‘s plans are purpose when we get thrown into a situation.
• For good, Esther or bad, Haaman one person can change an outcome.
• It is OK to seek help before we take a move.
• This fast was for protection and wisdom for Esther but really for the Jewish people as a whole.
• God provided for Esther and His people in this fast.

Lord, I have never asked others to fast for and with me, just to pray. Please help me to see if aI am ever in a situation where I should. I always need Your wisdom and protection. Help me to seek You before I make any major move. In Jesus name, amen.