The Esther fast is a fast that will empower you to walk with boldness, courage, and strength if it is done the right way. Many people may fast for different reasons: breakthrough, financial increase, direction, or instruction on a life matter. These are great things to pray and fast for but it is also important to fast with the right heart posture.
The Esther Fast
“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
The Esther fast is inspired by the book of Esther. Esther was a young Jewish woman that saved her people from annihilation. She fasted for 3 days without food or water so that she would be prepared to face the king.
This fast will require you to not eat or drink for 3 days ( this can be modified as a water fast) so that you can consecrate yourself before the King of kings.
When to start the Fast
Sign 1- Confirmation come in 3’s
I was watching Sarah Jakes preach about how she was studying Esther. That same week, I watched the Esther movie “ One night with the King” and I received revelation while watching the movie. In one of the scenes, she meets King Ahasuerus and He offers to her as a treasured gift “ a kingdom” ( his kingdom). This reminded me of God’s gift to his children, eternal life in His Kingdom. Finally, I had a dream where I created Esther fast guides. There were dozens of guides in my hands for me to give to the women that would ultimately do the Esther Fast.
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Sign 2: You are about to embark onto something new
The new thing that you are doing can be something that you are building, a new project, or something that God has placed inside of you to birth on this earth for the Kingdom of God. There are times when you are entering something new but you don’t know exactly how it will turn out. This is where trusting in God is required. The Esther fast will empower you to have courage. Her story was about stepping out in faith without any foreknowledge of how things will turn out.
In some ways, Queen Esther lived the life motto of ” C’est la vie” which is translated as that is life ( a.k.a what will be, will be).
Sign 3: If you are afraid, anxious, or doubting
If you are afraid to obey God’s call to face strongholds in your mind, then doing an Esther fast will strengthen you to move forward. It is necessary to do an Esther Fast, because fear will speak lies to you, telling you not to do it. You might also second guess yourself or hear “did God really call me to fast?”
The devil speaks like this when he spoke to Eve in the garden, “Did God really say that you must not eat from a tree in the garden?” (Genesis 3:1), to make you question God’s leading in your life.
Esther 4:14
And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
Sign 4: You need instructions on your next steps
I remember needing to buy a microphone. I met a store employee who noticed that I looked lost. I told him specifically what I needed- a microphone for YouTube.
He gave me the instructions of where to find the microphone. He later found me, and told me that I was in the right section. I asked him if I needed anything else, he told me that I needed an extended cord to hook up to my microphone which was in another aisle. On my way there, I told him to go before me because I didn’t know where I was going. He said, I will walk with you ( side-by-side).
This is just like God. Although, he has gone before us, He still walks with us, side by side (leading the way to our destiny).
How to prepare for the Esther Fast
- Prepare your mind to do a fast by asking the Holy Spirit what are specific things that you can forgo during the fast.
- Begin to eat more healthy meals a few days before the fast. Some foods you can eat are fruits, vegetables, light meats, and whole grains. Hydrate: Drink lots of water.
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the honor of kings is to search out a matter.”
Proverbs 25:2
3. Ask God to reveal any mysteries that He might want you to uncover. In faith write down any impressions or thoughts in your journal. Document in your journal during the fast
Sample of How to do the Esther fast
- Stop eating any meals at the time you start your fast. Some people like to start their fast at 6 or 7 pm.
- Pray, Pray, Pray! It is important to pray throughout the Esther Fast. You can try prayer journaling, praying in the car, or during your work break. Prayer is key to the fast.
- Read and meditate on a scripture verse. It is also beneficial to combine prayer with reading of the word.
- Push through the fast by asking the Holy Spirit to move within you when you are feeling weak. There may be times when you may want to quit the fast. When this happens call on the Holy Spirit to help you.
Benefits of doing an Esther Fast
The fast will ignite your faith and the boldness to go out into the world to accomplish the business of God’s kingdom. You will also experience greater clarity and breakthrough in areas of your life that seem to be delayed or unchanging. You will also experience sensitivity to the voice of God. Hearing God’s voice will give you wisdom on the will of God for your life.
You need the right heart posture
When you are doing the Esther Fast, it is important to understand that it is about your heart and NOT about religious observances or how perfect you do the fast. If you decide that you want to modify this fast (drinking water or juice because of medical necessity or personal choice) then walk in the liberty and grace God gives you. I encourage you to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and not feel condemned or shamed into doing the fast according to the opinions of other people.
Walk in the Spirit dear one.
Love and blessings,
Jen
Read the devotional series:
How to Encounter God’s Presence Now: Devotional (Part 4)
