“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 attendants will fast as you do” – (Esther 4:16).

Prayer and fasting have long been part of the Christian life, a potent weapon for a breakthrough.

As in our leading verse, when the Jews were being threatened with extermination, the key to fighting this pending doom was with King Xerxes (Esther 3). It was forbidden to see His Majesty, unless after being summoned. “All the king’s officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that they be put to death ..” (Esther 4:11). This law extended even to Queen Esther.

Now Esther, decided not to believe in what the law said, by appealing to the most High God, instead. Sometimes there are situations where we refuse to believe in the voice of man because we know we have a higher God to petition.

Having asked for prayers and fasting, from an army of intercessors, Esther said, “When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish” (vv 16). Indeed, after her fast, she went ahead. And, once in his Majesty’s presence, her prayers unlocked the gate. The king, put aside the law, opened up his heart, and, asked Esther, “Now what is your petition? It will be given you. ..” (Esther 5:6).

Against what appears to be impossible situations, through prayer and fasting God has always opened doors, for believers. For He says, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” ( Hebrews 4:16). It is a key in our hands to unlock any force that might be weighing us down and seemingly impossible. Just as the God of Joshua and Caleb ( Numbers 13), two warriors who refused to see mountains where all the rest melted down in fear, brought victory to them, so will He when you turn to Him in that time of need.

Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I come to you in prayer, that against what appears impossible, you hear me and make me taste of victory, because of our faith in the Lord Jesus!