iFast
When Courage is Needed – Part 2

Scripture Reading: Esther 4:4-15

Key Verse: Esther 4:16

“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. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”

Yesterday’s devotional told the story of Esther at a time when she desperately needed courage.  We may not face anything like Esther faced in our lifetime, but we all are in need of courage.  This life is tough and there are many challenges to what we believe and how we will stand strong against evil.  All of us will go through times when it seems our world is coming apart!  Maybe you have gone through a time when you felt like Mordecai, wanting to put on sackcloth and wail before the Lord.

          No one knows exactly why God’s people turned to fasting or why it has been an effective practice in their lives.  The fact is fasting has been used by God’s people down through the ages to seek His help and favor.  The methods and length of fasting have not been the same for all the situations, but God has honored the fasting of His people.

          If you need a large dose of courage for some trial in your life, this might be the time to go on a fast.  You might go without any food for a short time or you might sacrifice a portion of your normal diet.  The point is to remind you to seek God’s help and to do that in a more earnest manner.  “…the earnest prayer…has great power…” (James 5:16b NLT)

Father, I know your resources are all I need to face all the battles in this life.  Remind me to be earnest in my prayers!  In Jesus’ name, amen.