In week four of “Then I Will Go“, my attention was turned towards the subject of prayer and fasting.
In Esther 4 (verses 12-17), we find Esther and Mordecai engaged in a conversation through Hathach, a messenger. Mordecai responds to Esther with a hard message and does not back down or excuse her from action because it might be dangerous.
Instead he points out it would be more dangerous for her to keep quiet. Why?
Mordecai knew God’s promises and knew God would be faithful to His people. He knew God would not permit His people to be annihilated. He also points out that with or without Esther, God’s plan would be fulfilled. It would be better for Esther to be on God’s side than to try to save her own neck.
Mordecai also wisely points out that God may have even placed her in a position of influence to impact His chosen people for all time.
Esther makes her decision and chooses to go to the King, but not in her own strength. She asks for many to pray and fast for three days, recognizing not only the seriousness of the situation, but her need for God to intervene in protecting her.
Esther’s actions raises several questions in my mind:
- Do I [we] pray and fast as much as I should?
- Do I [we] take time to pray and fast before making an important decision?
Often we react first to a situation and then pray. Esther’s actions show us we would be wise to pray first and wait for God’s direction.
Fasting can take several forms and does not need to be a fasting from all food. We can fast from a particular food item such as sweets or coffee. We can take a technology fast. Or perhaps solely fast from social media.
“Prayer is reaching out after the unseen; fasting is letting go of all that is seen and temporal. Fasting helps express, deepen, confirm the resolution that we are ready to sacrifice anything, even ourselves to attain what we seek for the kingdom of God.” (Andrew Murray)
Esther believed God answers prayer.
May we be as resolute as she and be faithful to pray and fast.
“In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles.” (Psalm 34:6, NLT)
Today I am joining … Tell His Story and Grace Full Tuesday and TrekkingThru and #RaRaLInkup .
I love this connection between fasting and resolve. Coming into Lent, it’s good to remember why we do what we do (or don’t do). Sometimes, I think fasting becomes a hunger strike in which we try to coerce God into agreeing with us about something. It’s all about motive, right?
Michele, I agree with you that it is all about our hearts being in the right place. May we not seek to coerce God into agreeing with us, but instead, have our hearts aligned to agree with Him and His Word. Blessings!
Thanks for sharing these thoughts on prayer and fasting. I love this story from Esther’s life! Also, I had never read this quote from Andrew Murray; I especially like the part you put on your beautiful photo! Thanks again! 🙂
I only read that quote shortly before I wrote the post. It was most timely and I am now glad I shared it!
It is easy to focus on taking action ourselves rather than waiting on God. I love the Andrew Murray quote – it’s a great reminder why prayer and fasting are so important.
We need the constant reminder to be faithful to prayer and to also fast at times.
I need to explore the idea of fasting as more than giving up food. There is much more I could fast from – and, then, intentionally focus on prayer and fellowship with Christ. Good encouragement today – thanks!
I have found switching the focus of my fast also has kept my focus on prayer.
I read this post because I’m currently in a time of prayer and fasting. Not sure how this works. I pray all the time. Prayer for me is talking to God and also listening to hear his voice. I do that throughout the day not just during my quiet time. I’m fasting from food eating only one meal at 6pm. Not sure how effective this is but…
Yvonne, while I am not sure of the way in which it works, I have found fasting to be an important aspect of prayer. Sometimes it is not food I refrain from but even deliberately setting time aside to solely dedicate to praying and reading Scripture. So I fast from TV to set that time aside. May you find your time of prayer and fasting to reveal more of Him in your life!
Joanne, I like how you point out that Esther decided to approach the king, but not in her own strength. I am often guilty of reacting and then praying; this is a good reminder to reverse that order! 🙂
Lois, I so agree. It is much easier to react first. But as we refrain and seek Him, our response to situations is much wiser.