SOAP 10/05/2011; Esther 4:15-17

Today's reading: Esther 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8; Luke 18

S) "¹⁵ Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, ¹⁶ 'Go, assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maidens also will fast in the same way. And thus I will go in to the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish.' ¹⁷ So Mordecai went away and did just as Esther had commanded him."

Esther 4:15-17 (NASB)

O) I think in the entire story of King Ahasuerus, Queen Esther, Mordecai, and Haman, this was the pivotal point. There is so much power in fasting and prayer. God inclines His ear in powerful ways when we are committed to seeking Him in such a way. A fast isn't a hunger strike, it's a showing of discipline and devotion. Fasting is enough to save a nation from genocide, but it must be paired with action. In the chapters that follow this passage, Esther takes bold risks and speaks with wisdom, Mordecai is faithful in his actions and clever in his resolution. All of it is made possible through fasting and prayer.

A) Fasting should be a regular discipline for every Christian. I suppose I don't do it with enough regularity. I fast when there's an emergency, like Mordecai and the queen, but I also need to consistently fast for my life, family, loved ones, ministry, job, future, city, leaders, and on and on. Fasting is too valuable a tool to leave in my toolbelt.

P) Father, thank You for hearing my prayers, God. I know that, through Jesus, I have been made righteous. I know that, according to Jesus' words, His promise, I can pray in righteousness and have confidence that my prayer will be heard. God, I also know that You honor commitment and devotion. God, I want to honor You with fasting. Holy Spirit, help establish this discipline in me. Even if it hurts, I want the Father's discipline in my life. Strengthen my resolve and help me pray and fast with focus and purpose. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.