On the third day of the fast... [Esther 5.1a]
The events that follow these words are truly amazing.
The turn of events resultant to this time of prayer and fasting are significant: first, Esther presented herself to the king unannounced (against the law) and did not die! Then, the king was highly inclined to Esther's request. Then, Haman's hatred became emblazoned and he plotted Mordecai's death. Meanwhile, the king had a sleepless night that led to his being reminded of Mordecai's faithfulness in saving his life and which then led to his deciding to honor Mordecai. Then, just a Haman was approaching the king to request Mordecai's death, the king decided to employ Haman to honor Mordecai by parading Mordecai around in royal robes on the king's horse! Then, well, it just continued to go badly for Haman and he was eventually impaled on the pole he set up to impale Mordecai on... talk about a plan backfiring!
Haman's evil plans, that appeared at first to be unstoppable because of his rise to power, were thoroughly frustrated and then turned back on himself. Why? Because of prayer and fasting.
Is there any question what the lesson of this story is? I think not. Even the most hopeless situations are subject to the event-altering power of prayer and fasting.
Father, the timing of this reading today is impeccable to my own current situation. I know what I must do...
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