Mordecai put on sackcloth and ashes when he learned about the decree from the king to annihilate all the Jews throughout the Medo-Persian Empire. Mordecai went into the city and wailed loudly and bitterly. There was great mourning among the Jews. Since Esther was in the queen's quarter in the king's palace, she was not aware of the decree against the Jews. When Esther heard about Mordecai wearing sackcloth through her servant, she was very worried about Mordecai, so she sent her servant to give him clothes, but he wouldn't accept them. Esther then sent her servant to find out what was happening with Mordecai. Esther learned about the decree against her people. But she didn't know what to do. She couldn't show up to the king's court without being summoned, or else she would lose her life unless the king showed mercy on her. She had not seen the king for thirty days.
Mordecai encouraged Esther with these words, "Do not think that because you are in the king's house, you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" Esther realized then that her position as the queen of the Medo-Persian Empire was the only hope they had to save the Jews from complete destruction. Esther sent word to Mordecai, "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My attendants and I will fast as you do. I will go to the king when this is done, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish."
Esther encouraged Mordecai and the Jews to fast before God to ask for mercy and deliverance. Esther knew that God was the only one who could help them in this situation. Esther gave us an example of what to do when we encounter an impossible situation. The only way to develop this kind of faith in God is to have a close relationship with Him and know His promises. Let us continue to develop our relationship with our God by walking with Him daily, reading His word, and going to church and fellowship.
Ask yourself these questions for application: (Think through carefully and meditate on the questions while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you) What can I learn from Esther's faith in God? Am I pursuing God as I should? How do I develop my faith in God so that I can stand in impossible situations?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, I thank you for Esther's example. Would you please develop that kind of faith in me? Please help me to trust you in any circumstances in my life and help me to continue to pursue my relationship with you. Deliver me from spiritual apathy and give me a hunger for righteousness to honor you with everything I do. God, I need you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.