Facing Imminent Danger Part 2 - Esther Chapters 1-4
Last week we left the story of Esther with a death sentence over the Jewish people. The wicked Haman had talked the King of Persia into signing a proclamation that on a certain day all the Jewish people would be killed, including women and children, young and old. Haman allowed his hatred for Mordecai, the Jew, to include every person who was of the Jewish race.
Little did Haman know that Queen Esther was also a Jew. She kept her identity a secret because her uncle told her not to reveal it. She was orphaned as a child when both her parents died and was adopted by her Uncle Mordecai. When the king was looking for a new queen to replace his disobedient wife, he had his men search his kingdom for the most beautiful young virgin woman who would be considered the next queen of Persia. Esther was one of the young women taken for this competition. Although it sounds glamorous the young women taken would all have to sleep with the king and if not chosen to be his queen, they would become a part of his harem and not have their own husbands or families.
Esther was beautiful and lovely and found favor with the servants that helped her and when her turn came to visit the king, he fell in love with her and chose her to be his queen. Queen Esther could only visit the king when he called for her. If she were to go see him without being called, she would be killed unless the king lifted his golden scepter allowing her to visit. When news got back to Esther about the decree to kill all Jews, Mordecai asked her to go to the king and ask him to save her people.
Mordecai made it clear to Esther that God may have chosen her to be in this position for such a time as this. He said if she did not act, God would deliver His people, but she would not be spared. If she kept silent she would not be spared according to Mordecai, but if she went to the king without being called she could be killed. She had to make a difficult decision and called for her people to fast from food and water for 3 days. Esther and all her maidens fasted as well.
When you are experiencing very difficult times you may want to seek God and fast as well. Fasting does not have to be without food and water but can be for a short period of time, or certain types of foods or beverages. Fasting helps us to focus on God although at first it can be somewhat difficult if you have never done it before. If you feel led by God to fast make sure you use wisdom and do it safely. Fasting one meal a day is a good start. Do your research and ask God for guidance. Today intermittent fasting has become very popular and has shown some health benefits.
Although the Bible does not command Christians to fast, it was a common practice combined with prayer and worship (Acts 13:2; 14:23; Luke 2:37). In Matthew 17:14-21 Jesus’s disciples could not cast out a demon out of a little boy. When the boy was brought to Jesus He rebuked the demon and the boy was healed from the epileptic seizures that caused him severe suffering. He would often fall into the fire or fall into the water. When the disciples asked why they couldn’t command the demon to come out of the boy, Jesus replied that they had unbelief. He also went on to say that “this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” Fasting helps us to weaken our unbelief and build up our faith so that we can pray and see results. So next time you decide to fast because you have a major decision to make, or you are going through some difficult challenges, dedicate it to getting closer to God with prayer and worship. (Matt. 6:16-18)
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Personal Development Tip of the week:
Do you ever feel like a hypocrite in your Christian walk? One day you feel on fire for Jesus and the next day you spend absolutely no time with Him. I get it and we all have been there throughout our walk and the bible speaks so strongly on the word Hypocrisy.
Take a moment to read a few of the scriptures below around this topic and it starts to really hit you hard.
1 John 2:4 - If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth.
James 1:22 - But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.
James 4:4 - You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God.
I know from my own experience that it occasionally can make you feel worse. One very crucial thing to keep in mind is that even if your faith has been and will continue to be tested on a regular basis, God still loves you. You remember that because of the mercy God has on all of us by sending His son to take the judgment God had for us on Himself on the cross in Calvary. That price was paid for and has been paid for your life and your eternal salvation in heaven when You give your life to Christ.
John 3:16 is one of the most popular verses in the bible but we have to remember what it says in John 3:17: “God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.” Isn’t that so good to know and remember especially when you feel like a hypocritical Christan? God still loves you so much and knows you are not perfect and fall short of His glory but you can remain hopeful because it is finished!
Question for you? How are you working on this area of your life when it comes to feeling like a hypocrite?
Prayer for the week
Father God, thank You for this new day and how You have been helping me understand Your word more. I know I don’t always get it and struggle at times to even spend time in Your word. I’m so thankful to know that You still love me no matter how close I feel to You and Your word. Bring me peace and restore anything that feels off on how I feel towards myself so you can shine your reflection through me and to others today in Jesus name Amen.
PS. If you would like to support us consider checking out www.litwithprayer.com and picking up our devotional prayer journal to our new pieces of Christian-based Jewelry.
Do you know Jesus?
If you have never asked Jesus to be the leader of your life and forgive you of all your sins, this is the right time to act. Pray this simple prayer and believe it in your heart: “Dear God, Your Word says that You loved me so much that You sent Your Son Jesus to die on the cross for me. I want to be saved and have all my sins forgiven, past, present, and future. Forgive me now as I receive Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior. You promised me salvation and an abundant life. I believe and receive Your free gift. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me grow stronger in You each day, in Jesus name I pray, Amen.” (John 3:16)
The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.
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