Esther 4:14-16 (NIV)

…And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” [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 attendants 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.”

Queen Esther was a Jewish woman who married King Xerxes. Mordecai was Esther’s cousin and he was also like a father to her (Esther 3:1-6 NIV). Haman convinced the king to issue a decree to kill the Jews (Esther 3:8-11). Esther’s eunuchs and female attendants reported Mordecai “wailing loudly and bitterly.” Esther was so distressed, she sent one of the king’s eunuchs to learn why Mordecai was in such a state. Mordecai explained to the eunuch what had occurred and instructed that Esther approach the king and beg for mercy for her people (Esther 4:8). Esther sent a response to Mordecai that she could not approach the king without being summoned; for she would surely be put to death. Now in those days the king had many wives and Esther was just one of them. Therefore, the wives were not allowed to approach the king without being summoned; and Esther had not approached the king in 30 days. Mordecai reminded Esther that neither she nor her father’s family would be exempt from the decree (Esther 4:11-14).

Esther found the courage to approach the king on behalf of her people. She knew her man and how to ensure a gracious reception by the king. Esther fasted for three days and sent word to her people to fast with her. Esther succeeded in her efforts, and the king received her graciously (Esther 5:1-2 NIV). I surmise that Esther, during her fast, meditated on her choice of words in preparation for speaking with the king. Esther prepared a feast for the king and a guest – Haman, who Esther named specifically (Esther 5:4). Essentially, Esther invited the enemy to dinner! She fed them for two evenings. On the second evening, Esther did not say she wanted the king to save the lives of her people. Instead, she focused on the king’s ego and asked that he grant her life and spare the lives of her people. Esther described the perpetrator as being someone who had been paid to hurt her and her people. When the king asked who, Esther simply replied, “This vile Haman.”

When the king left the room, Haman begged Esther for his life. When the king returned, he saw Haman begging Esther while she was on the couch and jumped to a different conclusion, believing that Haman was molesting the queen. So, the king had Haman impaled on the same pole Haman had prepared for Mordecai. (Esther 7:1-10 NIV)

In life, you should choose your words wisely. You must pick your battles and be strategic. Yes, you should sometimes fast and pray on situations. Fasting and prayer provides clarity and inspiration, allowing you to focus on God’s plan. It aids open communication with God and can lead to the revelation of His plan. (Jeremiah 33:3)

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, it is sad that we must constantly remain one step ahead of the people who are around us and in our lives. Lord, we need Your guidance because people many times have ulterior motives. Father, help us to know when to fast and pray, help us to receive Your divine inspiration. Lord, we thank you and we praise your holy name, in Jesus’ name, amen.

This devotional was excerpted from Prayers of my Mother Copyright © 2019. For more information about this excerpt and others or to join Prayer Share please visit: www.prayersofmymother.com.

Carolyn is also the author of the Preregistered Copyright © 2020 book entitled, “Don’t Eat Your Vomit.”