The Bible records wars that were fought by men and soldiers of might. They bore strength and weapons, and these people fought to conquer. However the Bible also records other types of wars that were fought by ordinary people. Those who had no physical power and might, and these people fought for safety and justice.
Such was the case of Esther. She was not mighty, she had no weapons and she was not trained to fight, but she fought for the safety of her people. However she had a different kind of weapon with her, and that was of fasting and prayer.
And Not only did she choose to fast, but she called the whole nation of Jews to fast along with her.
“Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” Mordecai then went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.” Esther 4:15-17 ESV
Esther’s people faced “extinction”, and called for a time to fast. So are we faced with a pandemic that threatens to accelerate the loss of human life. This is the season to fast and pray.
Pray for saving of lives
Just as Esther called for a nation-wide fast, so can leaders of churches and congregations call for a fast for their respective nations. Those who choose to fast, should focus on praying for the saving of lives, not just those caused by the Covid-19 virus but, by those caused by any form of evil. Saving of human life should also be accompanied by the saving of human spirits so that they may enter into fellowship with Christ and that they may speak of God’s saving power. Prayer should also focus on the salvation of these lives.
Pray for yourselves
There may also be those, for some reason or another, who are unable to fast with a community, but such individuals can fast for themselves. Jesus fasted in order to face the trials and temptations from Satan (Matthew 4:1-11). Similarly, we ought to follow Christ on a personal fast in order to face the trials and temptations that are a result of the virus. If you face overwhelming depression or anxiety because of the uncertainty of the future, perhaps fasting and prayer may be an answer for your breakthrough. If you are tempted to give in on your overwhelming duties because of circumstances caused by the virus, perhaps fasting and prayer will give you strength and wisdom to carryout your responsibilities.
Whether you are going to fast and pray in a group, or as an individual, remember that the purpose of fasting is to put you in the best position for a breakthrough. It is not to arm-twist God’s hand into giving you a breakthrough at the end of your 1-day, or 3-day, or 40-days or how ever many days of fasting. It is a serious matter and it requires an intensity in our discipline and a genuine intentness of heart.
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