In Esther 4: 1-16 Mordechai had knowledge that there was a plot to kill the Jews by the gallows. He accordingly sent a word to Esther, then the King’s wife to intercede urgently. However, approaching the King without his invitation attracted a death sentence except by his pardon so Esther hesitated. She rather replied Mordechai to let the Jews fast for three days and she and her maidens would do likewise. Thereafter, determined to see the King in spite of his rule, said, if I perish, I perish. She took a step and before she could speak, the King rather invited her with delight into his chambers. What lessons can we learn?
Our challenges are the Lord’s battle
Once Esther had prayed and fasted, she submitted the battle to the Lord. We must always submit our battles to the Lord. We cannot fight with our own strength or on our own accord. Ephesians 6: 12 says for our struggle is not against enemies of flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. A non-praying church is a dead church just as a non-praying person is spiritually dead. Let us entrust our battles to the Lord even if we perish.
Our faith and trust honour God
Esther had faith, trust and confidence in God to resolve the matter for the Jews. Her faith produced results even when hope appeared lost. Hebrews 11: 6 says without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Her faith was not in isolation from righteousness and the fact that God exists. Jesus said in Matthew 17: 20 for truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,” and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” Will we have faith, trust and believe in God even if we perish?
God encourages prayer support
When Esther received the bad news, she sought support from people of faith and prayer rather than people of the world. Some of us rather without God, turn to unbelievers for advice in times of challenges. Esther did what was biblically right. James 5: 14-16 say are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven… the prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. Who are our prayer partners? Do we fast and pray and fast alongside God’s people when we face the threat of perishing?
Waiting on God is rewarding
Esther did not rush to decide but waited on God for direction. Impossible situations are better resolved by waiting on God. Proverbs 3: 5-7 say trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. Decisions based on our own insights are not adequate or comprehensive or fully informed. Isaiah 40: 31 says those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up the wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Are we, and will we be patient with God when we are perishing?
Our prayer must invoke boldness
Esther called for three days fasting and thereafter was bold against fear and despair. God’s power does not make us timid but bold to do what is right. 1Peter 3: 14-18 say but even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated… For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God’s will, than to suffer for doing evil. For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. Courage to do right needs prayer and fasting. 2Timothy 1: 7 says for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and love and of self-discipline. Are we bold to confront situations with God’s truth?
Be ready to die for a just cause
Esther was ready to die for a good course, to save her Jewish people in accordance with the will of God. Jesus knew he would be killed yet did not relent on his mission. Matthew 16: 21 says from that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. (Read also Mark 8: 31; 9: 31; Luke 9: 22; 13: 33). Paul had a similar attitude when he quoted in Romans 8: 36 “For your sake we are being killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.” (Read also 2Corinthians 11: 24-28; Acts 23: 12-14). He wrote in Philippians 1: 21 for to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. Are we ready to die for Christ Jesus, and for one another, as Christ did for us even if it will cost us our lives?
God is always faithful to his people
Esther knew that God was faithful to his word as promised to his people. Psalms 9: 9 says the LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Esther knew that God had proven himself as the anchor for the Jews throughout all generations without fail. Proverbs 18: 10 says the name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe. Except one commits and lives in sin, God will remain faithful. In his faithfulness, he made it possible for Esther to see the King on Mordechai’s complaint when there was an imminent threat of death. God proved his faithfulness as a prayer-answering God. Revelation 2: 10 says be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. In the face of death, are we faithful? Jesus will not fail us if we are and remain faithful to him.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, because we are dead to the world yet alive in you, we do not fear death anymore for whether we live or die, we belong to you. Accept our prayers in our darkest hours and mercifully answer us as you did for Esther and Mordechai. Strengthen us to be awake in effective fasting and prayer knowing it is our tool in spiritual battle. Help us to first seek your face in all we do so we may not go wrong or offend your will. Open your doors of blessings where there seems to be no way. We pray in your blessed holy name, Amen!!
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