Devotional: “For such a time as this:” A Clarion Call in a Time of Crisis
“For such a time as this:” A Clarion Call in a Time of Crisis
Esther 4:22-25
22: Lord, do not relinquish your scepter to those who are nothing. Do not let our foes gloat over our ruin, but turn their own counsel against them and make an example of the one who began this against us.
23: Be mindful of us, Lord. Make yourself known in the time of our distress and give me courage, King of gods and Ruler of every power.
24: Put in my mouth persuasive words in the presence of the lion, and turn his heart to hatred for our enemy, so that he and his co-conspirators may perish.
25: Save us by your power, and help me, who is alone and has no one but you, Lord.
Esther’s request for Jews to fast for her highlights the importance of seeking divine intervention. In an overview of scriptural passages on fasting, Berghuis says the concept of fasting is presented in the Bible as a "way for God’s people as individuals or as a body to express humility, sorrow, repentance, seriousness in prayer, and a desire for God’s manifest presence." Esther’s people were facing destruction and annihilation and it was through her courage to call for a time of prayer and fasting, she was able to turn it all around.
Believers are called to prayer and fasting in trying times. Jesus fasted (Matt 4:2–3) and expected his followers to fast, hence, he advised them what to do and what not to do when fasting (Matt 6:16–18).
Even when, for some reason, we cannot fast, Paul still encourages us—
“be anxious about nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Phil 4:6).
God used an amazing young woman to turn the history of her people who are also his people.
She put aside her own needs and wants. As many of us women do, we look to heal, help, and assist the needs of everyone except ourselves. God restores us in all of what we do through him. Esther was made Queen through her obedience and sacrifice.
God has given us strength and power to endure and change history. He has crowned and clothed us in His beauty and righteousness.
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