DCLM Higher Everyday 7 April 2023 — Fasting for a purpose
DCLM Higher Everyday 7 April 2023 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Fasting for a purpose
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TOPIC: FASTING FOR A PURPOSE
TEXT: ESTHER 4:10-17
10Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai;
11All the king’s servants, and the people of the king’s provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.
12And they told to Mordecai Esther’s words.
13Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews.
14For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
15Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer,
16Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
17So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.
MEMORY VERSE: “Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish” (ESTHER 4:15, 16).
MESSAGE:
Fasting is abstinence from food and water. It is a spiritual exercise that Christian youths should participate in. Although there are no hard and fast rules on how often and how long it should be, fasting must have a definite purpose. Without purpose, a fast becomes a ‘hunger strike.’
Esther was to go on a dangerous assignment. She was to intervene in a matter of the extermination of the Jews. As a result of the danger inherent in approaching the king without his invitation which could attract the death penalty, she requested that all Jews in Shushan should fast along with her for divine intervention. God granted her favor and a fulfilled mission.
Fasting makes us acknowledge our human frailty. It brings the flesh under subjection and renders the heart contrite and humble before God. Fasting also demonstrates our love for God and our full confidence in His faithfulness.
Fasting becomes necessary when faced with difficult situations, challenging tasks, seemingly insurmountable problems, and the impassable Red Sea. Yes, prayer and fasting are the way out. Regular fasting also enhances good health. It gives the digestive system rest.
QUOTE: Fasting must have a definite purpose.
CHALLENGE: Fasting should go with definite prayer requests.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to discipline myself to regularly fast.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
