So far in the story of Esther, King Xerxes has sought wisdom from the palace eunuchs and close advisors.  His personal history would suggest that he was not always given the best advice.

When Esther and Mordecai were in danger, Esther calls on God.  She gives instruction to Mordecai and the Jews to fast before she risks her life to make her appeal before King Xerxes.  Faced with trouble, Esther is not buried with hopeless despair but rather acts with confidence in God’s will and wisdom. Fasting, which would include prayer, was part of the working out of God’s plan.  On the third day of fasting, Esther makes a successful appeal before the king.  The prayer of the people moved God to not only protect Esther but to reverse the plan of Haman and eventually spare the Jews from the King’s death decree.  It was a mighty turn of events that began as the fast concluded; Haman replaced Mordecai in the gallows and the Jews were allowed to defend themselves.

Esther believed in God’s providence and sovereignty.  She had a front-row seat to see His power and sovereignty extend over kings, nations, and governments.  As we read the text, we see God’s hand redirect the outcomes of the decrees established by kings.  It was not only the courage and cleverness of Mordecai and Esther, but it was ultimately God’s intervention that redirected the evil plans of men back onto themselves.

Where have you experienced God’s providence and sovereignty?  Have you fasted and prayed for Divine intervention?  Do you put the two together? (Asking for and experiencing His providence?)  If not, be encouraged to draw close to God through prayer and fasting to ask for His will to be done in your life.  Then watch for His Spirit’s movement!