Esther faced an impossibly high-stakes situation. Her people, the Jews, were slated for annihilation by royal decree.
Certain death at the hands of the Persian empire awaited Esther’s people unless something changed, and changed quickly.
With trembling hands but determined faith, Esther resolved to approach the king on behalf of her people. But she knew better than to rely on her courage, beauty, or eloquence.
This was a matter of life and death that required divine intervention.
First, Esther purposed to fast. She led the Jews in Susa to abstain from food and drink for three days as she focused her heart fully on God.
She knew that changing the king’s mind would require Heaven’s help, so Esther prostrated herself in prayer, denying her appetites as she cried out to the Almighty for favor and help.
And God heard her plea. Dramatic reversal followed the fast of Esther as she found favor that altered the fate of her people. An entire nation was spared by the petition of one courageous, fasting woman.
Esther’s plight reminds us that we all face high-stakes situations that require divine breakthroughs.
Whether major decisions, challenging circumstances, or pivotal relationships, there are times that we desperately need God’s hand to shift things our way.
When you find yourself staring at an impasse or crisis, consider emulating Esther.
Consecrate yourself through fasting and prayer. Deny natural appetites so that your spiritual hunger for God’s intervention may increase. Then boldly take your petition before Heaven’s throne.
Who knows? Your situation may just mark the beginning of a dramatic turnaround story!
The Power of The Three Day Fast From The Book of Esther
In the Book of Esther, we read a dramatic story of God’s intervention to save the Jewish people from destruction.
Esther had become the queen to King Ahasuerus of Persia but had hidden her Jewish identity.
Haman, an enemy of Esther’s cousin Mordechai, conspired to issue a decree for the extermination of all Jewish people throughout the Persian Empire.
When Mordechai learned of the decree, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out on the streets of the city crying in distress.
“When Mordecai learned of all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly.”
Esther 4:1 (NIV)
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Mordecai requested Esther to appeal to the king on behalf of her people. Approaching the king unsummoned could mean death, so Esther asked Mordecai to gather all the Jews to fast for three days, day and night before she went in to see the king.
Here is Esther’s declaration:
“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish”
Esther 4:16 (NIV)
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After three days of prayer and fasting, Esther approached the king with courage and wisdom from the Lord.
Not only was she received by the king, but her appeal resulted in a new decree that allowed the Jewish people to defend themselves.
Consequently, the Jewish people were delivered, and the wicked Haman was defeated! The Jewish holiday of Purim is held in March to celebrate this great deliverance.
Esther’s courageous and spirit-led approach, which was preceded by fasting and prayer, changed everything. Because she humbled herself and sought the Lord, God used her to save her people.
What a profound example of the power of consecrating ourselves through fasting and prayer!
Esther’s story demonstrates how prayer and fasting can help you to prepare your heart as you approach God with your requests and needs.
That’s why the Esther Fast has become a popular way to seek God’s favor and direction.
Why Do the Esther Fast?
Here are some common reasons for doing the Esther Fast:
- You need God’s guidance and direction for a major decision.
- You’re facing a pressing challenge and need a breakthrough.
- You’re asking God to intervene in a difficult situation or relationship.
- You’re preparing your heart for a new season or major event.
- You’re seeking spiritual preparation through consecration.
- You need to hear clearly from God and know His will.
Maybe you’re facing a major crossroads in your life, like a new job, a move, a relationship, or an opportunity. Or perhaps there’s been a difficulty, like conflict, loss, or threat, that you need God to step into.
Whatever situation you’re facing, the Esther Fast will help focus your heart and prayers to receive God’s direction and favor.
Just like Esther, approaching God in humility through fasting is a powerful way to position yourself spiritually before you present your requests and needs.
By setting aside regular food and distractions for a dedicated period of prayer and fasting, you will clear your mind, body, and spirit to receive from the Lord.
Some other benefits of fasting include:
- Draw closer to God as your flesh is subdued.
- Hear God’s voice more clearly as worldly distractions are minimized.
- Experience greater spiritual authority as you discipline your flesh.
- Focus your prayers and offer sacrificial dedication to God.
- Encounter supernatural breakthroughs as you wait on the Lord.
If you need direction, favor, or intervention, the Esther Fast is a tested spiritual practice that positions your heart to hear from God and receive His supernatural help.
How to Do the Esther Fast: 5 Steps
The Esther Fast usually lasts for 3 days. You’ll go without food and drink during this dedicated time set aside for prayer and fasting.
Here are some guidelines for your Esther Fast:
- Set aside 3 consecutive days and clear your schedule for fasting and prayer. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to continue working during this time while still devoting maximum focus to spiritual goals. Or you may need to take time off work and eliminate other responsibilities to really go deep with the Lord.
- Begin your fast like Esther and the Jews did – with a full day, night, and following day of fasting from both food and water. This will help you overcome your initial hunger and cravings so that you can focus fully on God. After the first 24 hours, you can either continue with dry fasting (no food, no water) for the next two days or you may begin drinking purified water as needed. Both options are fine.
- Spend extended, dedicated time praying, reading the Bible, and waiting on God each day. The more time you can devote to be still before the Lord, the more you’ll be able to hear His direction. Meditate deeply on scriptures concerning God’s power, promises, and faithfulness. Journal during your fast to record lessons, revelations, and prayers.
- After you complete your 3-day Esther Fast, celebrate by eating and rejoicing in the Lord! Break your fast by eating light, nutritious foods. Remember, your fast isn’t just about going without food – it’s about consecrating yourself to draw closer to the Lord. So complete it with joyful expectation of God’s intervention in your life.
- During your Esther Fast, be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. At times, He may nudge you to extend your fast beyond the initial 3 days if there’s a need for more focused prayer in your situation. Follow the Spirit’s leading.
9 Tips for an Effective Esther Fast
To get the most out of your Esther Fast, keep these tips in mind:
- Consult your doctor if you have any medical conditions before fasting for multiple days.
- Prepare activities in advance to stay spiritually engaged like Bible reading plans and worship music.
- Let supportive friends and family know you are fasting so they can cover you in prayer.
- Remove distractions as much as possible so you can fully concentrate on the Lord.
- Journal about revelations, prayers, and spiritual markers to retain what God shows you.
- Reflect on the true meaning of fasting – it is voluntarily setting aside something of fleshly importance (usually food) for spiritual purposes.
- Remember, your fast isn’t about food but it’s consecrating yourself to seek God’s face and favor.
- Don’t despise small beginnings – 3 days can make a huge spiritual impact when honored with focus.
- Trust God fully and enter your fast with bold faith, believing God for a breakthrough just as Esther did.
The Esther Fast is for those who need clearer direction, divine intervention, and favor from the Lord.
With heartfelt humility and bold faith, you too can follow Esther’s example to fast and pray for a breakthrough.
By removing distractions and depending on God through prayer and fasting, He will meet you with supernatural wisdom, favor, and intervention.
Key Takeaways
Closing Thoughts on Fasting For Three Days
Esther’s courageous stand to save her people reminds us of the bold faith and consecration required for a breakthrough.
By setting aside her comfort and consecrating herself through fasting, Esther gained the spiritual traction she needed to change the fate of her people.
God may be calling you to a period of intensive prayer and fasting as well. By separating yourself to seek the Lord through an Esther Fast, you too can position your heart to hear His direction clearly and receive supernatural favor.
When you humble yourself through fasting and prayer according to His will, God moves mountains on your behalf.
Don’t underestimate the power of consecrating yourself to the Lord. A focused season of fasting and prayer can set the spiritual stage for years of blessing, just as Esther’s fast led to the saving of the Jewish people.
Follow her example and see what God wants to do through you when you fully depend on Him.
He remains the same miracle-working God, and fasting and prayer will unlock His mighty hand of favor and intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What should I abstain from during an Esther Fast?
A. You need to fast from all food and drinks. Avoid solid foods, and beverages like coffee, soda, alcohol, and juice. Limit screen time and entertainment as well to maximize spiritual focus.
Q. How will I maintain energy if I don’t eat for 3 days?
A. Expect to experience some fatigue, especially on your first day without food and water. Rest as needed between prayer times. You may take electrolytes like magnesium to reduce headaches.
After 24 hours you may drink water, and the spiritual renewal you’ll experience will give you supernatural energy. Your hunger will diminish, and you’ll be amazed at how your body adapts.
Q. What if I have health conditions or concerns about fasting?
A. Always consult your doctor first if you have any medical issues or take prescription medication. Some conditions may require you to modify rather than fully abstain from food.
If you have any doubts, it’s best to refrain from extended fasting. God honors even small acts of sacrifice done in faith.
Q. Can I fast secretly or do I need to tell people?
A. You can fast privately if you wish. However, telling supportive loved ones or groups can provide spiritual accountability and extra covering in prayer, which aids effectiveness. Use wisdom, but don’t feel that fasting must be hidden.
Q. What if nothing changes immediately after my Esther Fast?
A. Don’t lose heart! Fulfillment of God’s promises often comes at His timing, not ours. The fast consecrates you for a breakthrough, but keep praying expectantly after your fast for God’s intervention.
Like Esther, you’ve positioned yourself for blessings by relying on the Lord. Stay ready to move as He directs you.
