The Fast of Esther

Tonight at sundown marks the beginning of Purim, a holiday that celebrates the Jews’ triumph over their own annihilation. I have written about Purim before (see my post titled “Chag Purim Sameach”), so I will not retell the history of the holiday again. The focus of this post will be the fast of Esther. It is interesting to note that the Book of Esther is the only place in Scripture where God is not specifically mentioned. However, make no mistake, the presence of God is alive and well all throughout the book.

Esther and Mordechai were devout Jews and they bravely intervened on behalf of their people to save them from annihilation. Esther fasted for three days and asked the Jewish people living in the kingdom of King Ahasuerus to fast as well. The purpose was to prepare themselves for a victory. Esther fasted so that she could empty herself of every distraction and draw close to God, so that He could empower her to do what she needed to do. God’s Spirit was able to enter her and fill her with such courage that she was able to proudly proclaim, “If I perish, I perish!” (Esther 4:16). In the end, the Jewish people triumphed over the evil that sought their destruction. Only by the Grace and Power of God could this have been accomplished.

You may now be asking what fasting has to do with anything. I used to wonder why so many people of faith find fasting to be so important. I will admit that I have found it to be a very difficult thing. However, I do believe that God has worked on me in this area and this is what I am learning. Fasting is a way to show God how committed we are to drawing closer to Him. By sacrificing in this way, we are proving that we are willing to be obedient through denying ourselves and praying for the desires of our hearts. As long as that desire lines up with God’s will, by fasting and praying about it, I do believe He grants the breakthrough we so earnestly desire.

Fasting and praying was very common all throughout Scripture, from the Old Testament through the New Testament. All of the prophets fasted and prayed, at one point or another, so that they could draw closer to God and hear what He was saying. Revelations came, time after time, after a period of fasting and praying. Only when we empty ourselves and leave ourselves open, can we be filled with the Spirit, power, and knowledge of God. Many Jewish people participate in the fast of Esther the day before Purim to commemorate the victory the Jewish people had over their annihilation and also to draw closer to the One that made that victory possible.

If fasting does not appeal to you, that is understandable. It is very difficult and, for some, it is medically dangerous to do so. There are other ways to draw closer to God and accomplish things you desire. I pose these questions; what are you willing to give up in order to get what you want in this life? What are you willing to sacrifice in order to achieve a breakthrough? Will you give up your pride? Will you give up a need for instant gratification? Are you willing to go without so that someone you love may benefit in some way? Are you catching my meaning? Amazing things happen when there is less of our own ego and more of the things that create change in our lives. For me, the best change happens when I get out of God’s way and allow Him to move in my life. So, I will be participating in the fast of Esther today, in the hopes of achieving a needed breakthrough in areas of my life, but mostly to feel closer to the One who allowed me to come to such a time as this. With that, I throw down this challenge to you. Examine what you are willing to let go of or sacrifice in order to move forward in your life. Change sometimes comes only when we get out of our own and God’s way! Chag Purim Sameach and God bless!