Esther 4:16 “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.”
Stretching improves mobility around joints and keeps them healthy. Stretching reduces stress on tendons and ligaments. The analogy of stretching before exercising to remain healthy and fit also relates to spiritual stretching. Spiritual stretching increases faith, teachability and progression.
Esther, as advised by her uncle Mordecai, had concealed her Jewish origin from the king. When the verdict was announced by Haman, the evil chief of Persia, about the plot to annihilate the Jews, Mordecai challenged Esther to go and plead with the king for mercy. Esther was hesitant in the beginning. King Ahasuerus had a foul reputation of being volatile and rash. No one could go and stand before the king uninvited. There was a strict law that those who approached the king unsolicited could be put to death. This was a stretch to Esther’s faith. However, the risk that Esther took was highly rewarded.
The challenges we face require a stretch of our faith. With the crisis comes a pack of facts that are discouraging and disheartening. Don’t unpack the facts and deliberate on them. Rather delineate on the promises of God and grow your faith through the trial. Nullify the threats with the truth from God’s Word. When the fact says, “it is impossible”, defeat it by repeating, “All things are possible to him who believes”. Stretching grows our faith. Esther stepped out in faith and stood before the king and saved her people from the wicked plot of the enemy.
Stretching grows and increases our faith:
- Risk: Don’t let fear stop you. Take bold steps of faith. The risk of faith is worth-taking and incredibly rewarding.
- Refuge: Don’t let facts intimidate you. Take refuge in God’s Word.
- Reward: Unpacking facts instills fear but dwelling on God’s Word fortifies faith. Faith comes by meditating on the Word of God and faith overpowers fear. Stretching in faith is highly rewarding.
“Stretch in faith – the risk is very rewarding.”
Prayer: Father God, at every given opportunity and challenge help me to stretch my faith and grow. Amen.
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