Fast Like DanielSample

For Such a Time as This

Why did you start reading this plan? 

You may have gone into this fast desperate for breakthrough because of a difficult situation, but today’s reading asks a potent question: “What if you’re right where you need to be because you’re here for just such a time as this?”

What I mean is this: If you’re expecting the worst, you’re more than likely going to get it—or at least something undesirable. But what if you changed your expectation from one of fear and dread to one of joy and faith? Could you go through a difficult time trusting God, daring to do what frightens you knowing that God is with you?

If so, you may just be surprised at what amazing things God wants to accomplish through you!

Today’s reading is from Esther, who faced her own “for such a time as this” situation. A nasty death could await her for doing what God was leading her to do, but on the flip side, she was in position to do something absolutely no one else could.

What if you looked at your situation like that? Sure, you may be facing some difficult stuff, but whatever you’re going through can also offer you an opportunity to trust God to show up like never before.

Esther faced her difficult choice by fasting and praying (sound familiar?), and God used her to save His people. What might God want to do through you—in your situation or in someone else’s? 

If you’ll take time in fasting and prayer to cultivate a hopeful expectation of God’s goodness, you will prepare your heart for His favor and His breakthrough in your life.

I love what God told His people in 2 Chronicles 20:17—“You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you."

Take up your position—on your knees in fasting and prayer—with humble, specific, persistent expectation, and see the breakthrough the Lord will give you. After all, you’re here for such a time as this.