Faith Beyond Limits

What kind of faith do you have? Do you have the kind of faith that would go to the very ends of the earth for Christ regardless of the consequences? How can I increase my faith to trust God with my whole heart? What examples from Scripture can I look at to see God using ordinary women like myself?

“Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai: ‘Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!’ ”

—Esther 4:15-16

What a story of faith. This account in history is one to remember. A young, unassuming woman was chosen by God to be the queen of His people for such a time as this. Not only was Esther hand-picked by God, but she was empowered by His mighty hand to stand strong in a time of testing. The situation Esther found herself in, was that the king’s right-hand man was working behind the scenes to set a trap to kill all the Jews and rid them of their existence.

Esther’s uncle, Mordecai, had overheard a conversation with the king and his assistant Haman. The king was unaware that his queen (Esther) was Jewish and went along with the recommendation of Haman. What he didn’t know was that God knows the plans of all men and will always protect and provide for His people. This is what we call “an Esther moment.” For such a time as this. Uncle Mordecai wrote Esther back with these words: “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)

Esther knew she had to call on the people to pray and fast. Some things only happen by

prayer AND fasting. (“However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” Matthew 7:21)

As God would have it, the very fate Haman planned for Uncle Mordecai (death by hanging)

was turned around by the king to be used on Haman. God’s people, the Jews, were saved by

Queen Esther’s act of courage, along with her cry for prayer and fasting. Fasting is a powerful

weapon and turns the heart of God toward the heart of those that ask.