Do Likewise

On the third day of the fast, Esther put on her royal robes and entered the inner court of the palace, just across from the king’s hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne, facing the entrance. When he saw Queen Esther standing there in the inner court, he welcomed her and held out the gold scepter to her. So Esther approached and touched the end of the scepter. [Esther 5.1-2]

It is exciting to see things in the Bible that give us reason to do likewise.

When we see an event in the Bible that involves God's people and good things, it makes sense to study that event and the methods of the people for possible methods we too might observe and follow.

Such is the case with Esther in the book named after her.

First, when facing opposition, loss, and possible annihilation, we might want to consider the practice of fasting. However, considering the power of fasting, it might be prudent to practice fasting before things get so bad. It's just a thought.

When fasting, there will come a time when the fast-er will evidently know that action is required. Why did Esther decide to go before Xerxes on the third day of the fast? I don't know, but evidently she did! And that is precisely what I am suggesting - that in the process of genuine fasting, we will know what to do and when to do it.

One might argue, "What if I still don't know after three days?" Then I would suggest fasting four days! And so on and so forth...

We must be considerate that when God shows us what to do, or confirms (as in the case of Esther) that it is time to do what we are fasting for success to do, then we should do that thing with confidence. In the case of Esther, that confidence was in abandon to the possible negative outcome. Xerxes could have, best case scenario - denied Esther's request, and worst case scenario - had her killed for approaching him (the king) uninvited. But, Esther had prepared herself the best she knew how, and that was to fast.

I wonder how many of our earthly endeavors (some of them merely to survive) would meet with success or greater success if we just fasted until we knew what to do?

Father, the obvious lesson of Esther's fast is undeniable.