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Esther
Contributed by Bala Samson on Feb 25, 2013 (message contributor)
Summary: Many wonder why should I fast? Not all those who fast manifest the love of Christ neither do they behave like Christians; in that case, why should I fast?
Esther 4:1”When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry..”
Many wonder why should I fast? Not all those who fast manifest the love of Christ neither do they behave like Christians; in that case, why should I fast? I want to clarify today the deep truths of fasting through my own life experiences.
When I was admitted suddenly for a major operation, I had been on three days fasting the previous days, since I was not told that I had to prepare myself for the operation. I did have all the weakness, fatigue, pain, angst connected to post operation; but I had something on the inside of me and that is ‘strong faith.’ Though I looked fragile and weak in the hospital bed; yet, my hospital room turned into a ‘church’ and many came rushing to my room for prayers, that includes the nurses and receptionist, besides all this, I was also recovering speedily. These are the rewards that one gets through regular fasting and prayer!
Now listen! The book of Esther says, ‘the city of Sushan was in confusion.” (Esther 3:15) Mordecai wore sackcloth and fasted against the evil, demonic forces that was coming against the people of God. He knew this could be broken only through fasting and on his knees. Let me tell you friends, certain things cannot be amended, rectified or set right through arguments, quarrel and reasoning – you got to fast. Amen. Hear me say this today, you got to fast. If you have not fasted, get into my website and learn to fast. It is a spiritual discipline. Back while I worked in a bank, I taught my colleagues to fast and pray and many experienced miracles and breakthrough.
When Esther and her maids joined Mordecai and the people of God in fasting, amazing things happened, read: "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 4:16) You get the guts to do the impossible, God stirred the heart of king Ahasuerus to speak to Esther favorably, the death sentence was reversed, the people of God dominated over the evil forces and finally the city of Shushan was filled with joy. Amen. Clap hands and rejoice will you?
How could one change a husband who keeps bickering and complaining all the time and arrest his roving, lustful eyes? Lust and sex is too pervasive and all-encompassing, to hide from. Fasting is the answer. Remember it is the evil forces that starts working to split the family, the answer is not in filing a divorce or looking for a boyfriend, a wise woman will fast and pray to save her family and children. Are you listening?
Young people listen! From where can you muster up strength to stay holy, strong and true for God? Only Fasting can save you. Porn can destroy you. Beware! Hebrews 2:1 ‘Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.” As long as you harbor feelings of inadequacy, you will lag behind, there needs to be a burning ambition to succeed; and, to stay there. Crucify hunger pangs, spiritual lethargy and start fasting!