Faith Stronger Than Fear
Fasting Can Give Us Strength to Do Difficult Things
Have you ever known what you needed to do but still felt afraid to do it?
Esther knew that her people were in danger. Mordecai had asked her to approach the king and plead for their lives, but entering the king’s court without being invited could result in death.
Esther had not been called to see the king for thirty days. She did not know whether he would welcome her or condemn her. She believed she might have been placed in the kingdom for this purpose, but knowing that did not make the danger disappear.
Before Esther acted, she asked for spiritual help.
“Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me,” she said. “I also and my maidens will fast likewise” (Esther 4:16).
Esther did not fast so she could avoid the difficult thing. She fasted so she could receive the strength to do it.
That is one of the great purposes of fasting.
When we fast with prayer and a sincere purpose, we willingly place our physical appetites beneath our spiritual desires. Hunger reminds us why we are fasting and invites us to turn our thoughts toward God. Instead of being controlled by what our body wants in the moment, we practice allowing our spirit and our faith to lead us.
That kind of self-mastery is increasingly important.
Phones, social media, entertainment, food, approval, and other desires can gradually begin controlling us if we never learn to tell ourselves no. Fasting teaches us that our appetites do not have to be our masters.
More importantly, it helps us invite the Lord into our struggles.
Fasting did not remove Esther’s danger. It helped her place faith above fear, the spirit above the body, and God’s will above her instinct to protect herself.
When the fast ended, Esther still had to enter the court.
But she did not enter alone.
She carried the united prayers and faith of her people with her, and she moved forward trusting that her life was in God’s hands.
You may face decisions, weaknesses, fears, or concerns that feel beyond your own strength. Prayer should always be part of seeking the Lord’s help. At times, you may also feel inspired to add fasting to your prayers.
Fasting does not force God to give us the answer we want. It helps us draw closer to Him, receive strength, and become more willing to trust His answer.
Scripture
“Fast ye for me … I also and my maidens will fast likewise.”
—Esther 4:16
Reflection
What concern, decision, weakness, or person could you sincerely fast for?
How might fasting change you even before your circumstances change?
Today’s Challenge
Choose one clear and righteous purpose for your next fast.
Write it down before the fast begins. Pray specifically about it, study a scripture connected to your concern, and listen for impressions throughout the day.
When physically able and with appropriate guidance from your parents, fast with real intent rather than simply going without food.
Then be prepared to act on the guidance or strength you receive.
Christ-Centered Thought
Jesus Christ fasted, prayed, and perfectly submitted His will to the Father. Because He overcame every temptation and carried every sorrow, He understands the fears and weaknesses you are trying to overcome.
As you seek Him through sincere prayer and fasting, He can strengthen your spirit, increase your self-mastery, and help you move forward with faith even when the outcome remains uncertain.
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