Day 11 “For Such a Time as This ”- Esther 4:14-17

The story of Esther is one of the most beautiful and compelling stories in the Bible. Although this book never specifically mentions God’s name, it gives us clear insight into how God works behind the scenes in the halls of power, as well as in the unseen events of our own lives.

If you have not read that story recently, I would encourage you to go read it as it will encourage you and build your faith. The story follows a young woman named Esther, who was a Jew living among the exiles in the Persian empire under the rule of King Xerxes (circa 480 BC). Through a turn of events, Esther went from a relatively unknown girl to queen of the empire, though her lineage remained unknow to the King and his officials.

At the same time Esther was ascending to the throne, a Persian official named Hayman sought to eradicate the Jewish people from the Persian kingdom. Hayman was granted his request, and a date was set for the Jews to be annihilated.

About halfway through the story, something happened that changed everything. Esther was challenged by her uncle that God brought her to power in that exact moment because she had a role to play, “for such a time as this” (4:14).

In the face of huge risks and desperate circumstances, Esther called for the people of God to fast and pray. That prayer changed everything, and God answered in a huge way!

In response to the fasting and prayer of the people, God rewrote history not only for Esther and her people, but also for their enemies.

As we approach the halfway point of this fast, we have been calling on God for a shift in our nation. No doubt you are seeking God for things in your own life and for your family. Yet, the answers to our prayer are not going to be without opposition from the enemy. There is a battle going on for our community and for your family.

Stay strong in your commitment to fast and pray. Yes, there will be opposition – but these 21 days could change the course of your family, of your future, and even of our nation. It is no coincidence that you are in this church in this season. God has brought you here in this exact moment because you have a role to play, for such a time as this.

Day 10 “Let It Rain” – 1 Kings 18:41-46

It had been three and half years of drought when Elijah stood on Mount Carmel and boldly declared to King Ahab, “I hear a mighty rainstorm coming.” There wasn’t a cloud in the sky nor any evidence that would indicate a coming rainstorm. But Elijah had just witnessed one of the great demonstrations of God’s power as he called fire from heaven which consumed both the altar and all of the false prophets of Baal. It was a moment of both divine judgment and supernatural display as God was again proving Himself the One True God.

Although there was no physical evidence of the coming rain, Elijah discerned from God’s Spirit and then declared prophetically what was to come. This bold act of faith demonstrates what it’s like to trust God’s word over present circumstances.

The truth is, God is always speaking. One of the amazing aspects of fasting is that it helps quiet the noise so we can hear God’s voice and get a clearer sense of where He’s leading us. But notice what follows Elijah’s prophetic declaration: “But Elijah climbed to the top of Mount Carmel and bowed low to the ground and prayed with his face between his knees.”  

What Elijah had discerned spiritually impacted his posture physically. He had gained insight into what God intended to do, but he also understood his part in seeing it actually happen. Elijah knew that God’s will must be prayed into existence.

Seven times Elijah instructed his servant to check the sky for evidence of rain. Six times the servant returned reporting no changes. But what both Elijah and his servant couldn’t see were the invisible elements taking place that would eventually lead to a visible cloud.

They couldn’t see the water vapor rising into the air as Elijah prayed. They were unaware that the water vapor was condensing into tiny pieces of dust which were forming billions of invisible droplets coming together for the formation of a visible cloud.

But suddenly, the servants seventh trip discovered “a little cloud about the size of a man’s hand rising from the sea.” Even when it seemed nothing was changing, God was working in the invisible realm.

Elijah didn’t allow what he couldn’t see in that moment to deter him from praying what He knew God intended to bring. And it wasn’t long before a mighty rainstorm began.

Faith trusts even when the evidence is invisible. Just because you can’t see it yet doesn’t mean nothing is happening. Believe God is working behind the scenes, and your answer is being formed in the invisible realm. Just like a cloud eventually appeared, you too will see God’s answer in a powerful way. Keep on believing, don’t stop praying, because a mighty rainstorm of miracles is on the way!

Day 9 “Drawing Near” – Genesis 18:22-33

In Genesis 18:22-33, there is a fascinating story about prayer. In the preceding verses, God gave Abraham insight into His plan to bring judgment on the city of Sodom, which was one of the most wicked places in history. Then Abraham responded by asking God to relent His judgment if there were fifty righteous people in the city. Once Abraham received God’s grace, he asked for just a little more, and a little more, until finally he got down to just ten. God once again granted his request: if there were ten righteous people in the city God would not destroy it.

Yet, in the end, Sodom was still found lacking morality, even in the face of the most gracious standard of righteousness, and the city received the full measure of judgment.

It is such an interesting story about prayer and the fate of Sodom. But what if this story was never about changing the fate of Sodom, but increasing the faith of Abraham? God brought His plans to Abraham not because He wanted Abraham to understand the wickedness of Sodom, but because He wanted Abraham to understand His nature. In fact, the whole key to this story is what we read at the end of verse 22 and the beginning of verse 23: “Abraham still stood before the LORD. Then Abraham drew near…” (ESV). It is interesting that the thing which stopped Abraham in his tracks was the same thing which caused him to draw near.

We often think prayer is about deliverance from problems rather than drawing near to His presence, but God sees it as both. He is a God who answers prayer, to be sure! In this passage alone God said yes to Abraham’s prayer six times! He loves partnering with us in prayer, and He delights in answering our requests!

But it is in the process of drawing near to Him that we receive so much more from Him.

In this fast, there is probably a list of things that you are praying for personally. Yet those things which have stopped you in your tracks are the very things which are drawling you into His presence. This fast is about so much more than getting a response from Heaven; it’s about cultivating a relationship with our Heavenly Father.

God is going to answer your prayers, and in that process He is going to show you His character. Because you have chosen to draw near, you will never be the same!

Day 8 “Teach Us to Pray” – Luke 11:1-4

Prayer doesn’t always come naturally. Even for the disciples—who followed Jesus day in and day out—it wasn’t automatic. They had seen Jesus perform amazing miracles, heard incredible teaching and watched him love people unconditionally. Yet, one characteristic was elevated higher than any other as they recognized they key to Jesus’ ministry.
They watched Him slip away often to pray. They saw the power, the peace, and the authority that marked His life. And one day, with a genuine hunger in their hearts, they asked:
“Lord, teach us to pray…” (Luke 11:1)

Jesus’ response was not a lecture, but a model—a framework for prayer that wasn’t about lofty words or religious rituals, but about relationship.

“Father, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread,
and forgive us our sins,
for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
And lead us not into temptation.”
(Luke 11:2–4, ESV)

This prayer reveals the heart of someone fully dependent on God. It’s not self-centered, but God-centered. It acknowledges God’s holiness, submits to His will, and confesses a need for both provision and grace. It expresses surrender, humility, and trust.

When you’re fasting, this prayer becomes even more alive.

Jesus provides a pattern for prayer in these verses that can deepen our time with the Lord, especially as we are fasting.
• “Father, hallowed be Your name” – Fasting re-centers our view of God. We remember His greatness, His holiness and His glory. Our needs don’t disappear, but they fall into perspective in light of His majesty.

• “Your kingdom come” – As we fast, we stop asking God to simply bless our plans. We begin to desire His plans instead. His priorities shape our prayers.

• “Give us each day our daily bread” – This line hits differently when you’re fasting. You feel your need more acutely—not just for food, but for God’s strength, wisdom, and sustaining grace.

• “Forgive us… as we forgive” – Fasting brings things to the surface that need surrendered to God. Bitterness, pride, self-reliance. Nothing will hinder your prayers faster than an unforgiving spirit.

• “Lead us not into temptation” – In a season of fasting, the enemy often tries to distract, discourage, or deceive. But God offers protection and clarity as you stay rooted in His presence.

Prayer becomes powerful when it becomes personal. Jesus didn’t give this prayer to impress religious leaders—He gave it to real people, facing real struggles, who wanted to walk closely with their Father.

As you continue in your fast, let this be your prayer: “Lord, teach me to pray.” Not just once, but daily. And allow your time with the Lord to draw you into deeper intimacy with the One who loves to meet you in the quiet.

Day 7 “Confident Prayer” – 1 John 5:14-15

One of the great promises in Scripture provides wonderful encouragement in our approach to God when it comes to prayer. When we are walking through challenges or are in need of provision, a variety of emotions have the potential to overwhelm us. However, Scripture says that when we pray, there should be a very specific emotion we carry. This passage encourages us to come before God not with fear or hesitation, but with a bold assurance rooted in our alignment with His will.

John writes in 1 John 5:14-15, “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.”

John tells us that one of the results of praying God’s will into our lives should be a supernatural confidence that we carry each day. This confidence isn’t arrogance—it’s a settled assurance that our prayers matter because they’re aligned with His purposes. It’s a confidence rooted in who God is and knowing He will always answer when we pray.

Here are a few Scriptures that remind us of who God is:

God is our Rescuer:
Psalm 24:17, “The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.”

God is our Provider:
Matthew 6:31-33, “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

God is our Salvation and our Healer:
Psalm 103:2-3, “Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.”

God is my Victory:
Romans 8:31-32, 37, “What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.”

When we remember who God is and what He’s done, we’ll walk in a holy confidence that knows He is fighting for us, and we will see the victory in every challenge we face because our God has never lost a battle!

As you fill your heart with God’s Word and as you spend time in His presence fasting and praying, you’ll find yourself walking in greater strength and confidence that will lead to experience in His victory in every situation life brings.