Esther 2:15 And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all those who looked upon her.
Esther found favour not only in the eyes of the king but in the sight of everyone in the royal palace. There was a sweet flavour of favour around Esther everywhere she went. What was the secret of Esther’s success in the foreign land? We see that she called for a corporate fast for 3 days without food or water before she entered the king’s presence to plead for her people. “Go and assemble all the Jews who are in Susa; fast on my behalf, all of you, not eating or drinking night or day for three days. I and my maids will also fast in the same way” (Esther 4:16). Esther must have fasted habitually and regularly, if not, 3 days of fasting without food or water would have been extremely difficult.
Esther didn’t go into the king’s harem for a beauty contest. It was a one way route into the palace. Those who didn’t succeed as the queen would remain as the king’s concubine, in the harem, for the rest of their life! However, the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor (Esther 2:17). It was fasting and prayer that flooded her life with favour.
‘Faith + Fasting + Prayer = Divine Favour.’
Fasting disciplines our flesh and trains our body to be subject to the spirit. Fasting coaches us to say ‘no’ to the cravings and rumbling of the flesh/(stomach) and to feed our soul with spiritual food. Fasting kills the appetite of the flesh to make room to hunger for God. Physical discipline unlocks heavenly favour.
Fasting and prayer unfolds the favour of God:
1. Special: There were thousands of beautiful girls in the harem but the favour that rested upon Esther made her exceptionally special. Now the young woman pleased Hegai and found favor with him (Esther 2:9a). We don’t have to go out of our way to please people; the favour of God will draw them to us. The favour of God will make us extraordinarily special.
2. Success: The favour of God took Esther into the palace. Divine favour placed her in the position and power that was beyond the comprehension of a Jewish orphan who was an exile in the Persian kingdom. Though it is not explicitly mentioned, Esther would have fasted and prayed every step of her way from the streets of Persia into the citadel of Susa. Favour of God pushes us up the ladder of success.
3. Significant: Favour of God will not only help us succeed but will also make us significant. Success is our personal achievements but significance is the positive influence to help others succeed. Esther did not just enjoy the luxury as the Queen of Persia; she used her influence to save the Jewish race. Favour makes us significant.
Fasting and prayer unfurls the favour of God.
Esther 7:3 Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor in your eyes, O King, and if it please the king, give me my life, and give my people their lives. “
Prayer: Father in Heaven, give me the tenacity to fast, pray and live under your divine favour. Amen.
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