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Fasting for Such a Time

Words of Faith Final

Fasting for Such a Time
Words of Faith 6-14-2021
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2008, 2021
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL
www.faithfellowshipweb.com
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Esther 4
         [15] Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: [16] "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish."   [17] So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther's instructions.

          At this point, the story of Esther could take many turns.  Faced with the possibility that she might be killed for entering the presence of the King without a summons, she had a considerable obstacle to overcome.   If this were a modern-day mini-series, Esther might have turned to some of her own palace connections.  Or she might have gone back to the spa for a little special make-up session and some alluring clothes.  But Esther would not depend upon her feminine wiles.  She would not be remembered for charming the king.  Instead, she is remembered for calling people to prayer.  
          We must understand that the writer of Esther is careful not to mention the name of the Lord or prayer directly-- because of concern the name of the Lord might be dishonored in the boisterous festival of Purim later taken from this book.  But clearly, Esther is calling Mordecai to join her and her maids in a severe fast for the purpose of prayer.
          There are many types of fasts.  Some fasts only refrain from food.  Others refrain from food only during the day.  The most severe would have to be a fast day and night from both food and water.  Three days without liquids is quite a dangerous self-deprivation.  But this was the resolve of Esther-- to go before the Lord God of Israel at this time of crises and ask Him to go before her as she sought to make a difference.  Whatever reluctance Esther may have had, she now could sense her place in the plan of God.    "When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish."
           We can learn from Esther.  Are you facing a problem?  A monumental task?  An impossible call?  We are tempted to rely on our own wits-- our own designs-- our own abilities.  But this is not the way of faith.  Our only solution is to go to God in fasting and prayer and be prepared to be obedient.  Ask God-- Lord, what are You doing in this situation?  Why is it You have brought me to such a time as this?  What would You have me do?  What is it that You desire to do through me?

           Lord, give me faith like Esther-- the faith to rely upon You-- the faith to call Your people to prayer-- the faith to trust Your sovereign work all around me.  In Jesus' name.   

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© Jeffrey D. Hoy 2008, 2021
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy - Faith Fellowship Church (EFCA)        
2820 Business Center Blvd.
Melbourne, Florida 32940 (321)-259-7200
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
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The Words of Faith devotion is published five days a week by E-mail, excluding Federal holidays. Please feel free to forward this devotion to a friend who might be blessed by this devotion. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is quoted from the New International Version (R) of The Holy Bible. Copyright (c) 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. Words of Faith (c) 1997, 2010 Jeffrey D. Hoy. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to forward this copyrighted material or use portions of it with appropriate notation of the source for non-profit purposes.