Prayer Focus-Fasting

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Focus, we take a look at the fasting of Queen Esther in a time of crisis.

Her people were facing the threat of genocide. Esther had influence to do something to stop it. She was Queen in Persia, but she was not free to enter the king’s presence at any time. In fact, she could lose her life in approaching him unless he extended the gold scepter to her.

She sent word to her cousin Mordecai about her plan to go to the king to intervene in Esther 4:16: “Go, gather together all the Jews….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.” Esther called her nation to prayer and fasting, and God intervened on their behalf.

In times of crisis, we are not helpless. We have a loving God who hears the cries of our heart and responds with grace and compassion.

The fasting of Queen Esther in a time of crisis is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com