Lent: A Season of Drawing Closer to GodSýnishorn

Week 2 Filling

Filling with Boldness

Read: Esther 4; Psalm 138:3

SOAP: Psalm 138:3

When I cried out for help, you answered me. You made me bold and energized me.

Into the Text

The events recorded in the Book of Esther are quite complex. Esther was a young girl who had been forced to become queen of the entire empire of Persia. While today this seems like a fairy tale, many aspects of Esther’s life were far from it. Esther had to conceal her identity from her husband out of fear that she would be killed, or at least cast out. However, God used her position to miraculously save His people.

Though Esther held a position of power, she was still required to fully submit to the king. Her predecessor had been removed because of her disobedience, and Esther likely behaved with great caution to not suffer the same fate. But when the Jews were in danger of being destroyed, Esther needed to go before the king, uninvited.

Before Esther went to the king to ask that her people be saved, she fasted. She instructed her uncle, Mordecai, to have all the Jews in Susa fast, and she and her attendants fasted as well. An entire community was fasting, asking God to prepare Esther and prepare the king’s heart for her request.

Fasting allowed Esther to be filled with boldness and the confidence that she was doing what God had asked of her.

As we draw near to God through fasting and prayer, we may see more clearly where God is leading us. Perhaps He has placed a task in front of you that you are hesitant to do. Let Him fill you with boldness as you fast. Allow the Holy Spirit to prepare your heart as you make room for Him to fill you up. When we ask God for help, He will surely give us the boldness we need.