Strength through Crisis

How quickly life can make a turn in another direction, right. You may be going through life then suddenly something happens that changes the course you are heading in and you find yourself thrown into turmoil.

In our previous post, Esther receives the devastating news of Haman’s plans which throws her into a very serious dilemma.  As we see in Esther 4:11 Persian law prohibited anyone from approaching the king without first being summoned.  Esther reminded Mordecai that she could not simply enter the king’s inner chambers unannounced or she might be put to death. The king had the power to execute anyone who disturbed him without an appointment.

Esther 4:13-14 Mordecai gives her three reasons why she had to figure out a way to approach the king to lead him to reverse the decree.

At this point it is clear that Esther was placed in her position as queen by God to intercede for the Jewish people.  Esther knows what she needs to do and made the courageous decision to go to the king to plead for mercy for her people, the Jews (v.15). But note her request to Mordecai (v.16): he had to gather the Jews to fast and pray for her for three days, both night and day. She and her maids would join in the fast and then, at the end of the three days, she would disobey the Persian  law; risking her life, she would go to the king and plead for him to seek a way to reverse the Decree of Extermination. 

By calling for a fast, Esther was asking the Jews to pray for God’s help on her dangerous mission. In the Old Testament, prayer always accompanies fasting (Exodus 34:28, Deuteronomy 9:9 and Ezra 8:21 – 23). Esther knew what she had to do and she knew it could cost her her life; and yet she responded “If I perish, I perish.”

My friend, no matter what the crises is in life, there is hope in the Lord. If we turn to the Lord in prayer and fasting, seeking His face for help, He will help us.   It is through His strength that we can face the crisis in our lives.  Surround yourself with Godly friends who will support you in your godly pursuit.