Esther – Fasting, If I Perish, I Perish (Esther 4:13-17 Devotional)

¹³ Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think to yourself that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. ¹⁴ For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” ¹⁵ Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, ¹⁶ “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” ¹⁷ Mordecai then went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.

Esther 4:13-17

Do you believe that everything is not accidental?

Esther was a slave who lost her country. She lost her mother and father when she was a child. What could an orphan ask for and who would listen? Maybe she was afraid of being abandoned and rejected, so she didn’t dare to ask. But God made her a queen!

Esther’s tragic life shaped her character. Her obedience to Mordecai, her reverence for the king, and her faith in God, all were not by accident! Once upon a time, we were all perplexed by what happened in our lives, wondering why God would allow such grief to be nailed to our hearts! But isn’t the fate of our life the opportunity of the present? God wants us to be His witnesses on earth! Be his servant! Manifest his glory! Are you ready? Are you willing to meet God’s call?

Do you believe that God hears prayers?

Esther had only one request to Mordecai, asking all the Jews to fast for her for three days and three nights, without eating or drinking! When life comes to a dead end, God is our only hope! Prayer can change the nations, policies, and hearts of the kings, and bring down our enemies! Esther obeyed Mordecai’s command and prayed to God for a way out! 

Are you willing to obey God’s command?

In the end, Esther fulfilled Mordecai’s orders with her faith in God! She went to the king to seek favor for her people. She was ready even if she might need to die! Faith is not having a plan for everything, knowing how to do it, and being sure of success. Faith is seeing God who hears prayer! He will surely make a way!

Prayer:

God, please let me not only see the pain but let the pain shape your vessel! Let me not only see difficulties, but let them urge me to fast, pray, and trust in the Lord of life! Let me meet your calling and commission! Manifest your glory and wonders in my life!