The Power of Standing for God and the Impact of Fasting: Lessons from Mordecai and Esther
The story of Mordecai and Esther is a powerful testament to the faithfulness of God, the impact of standing for righteousness, and the divine power of fasting and prayer. As I reflect on how the book of Esther ends, I am deeply convicted that God exalts those who serve others selflessly and stand firm in faith. Mordecai was not elevated because of personal ambition but because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for their welfare.
“For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.” (Psalm 75:6-7 KJV)
Mordecai’s Selfless Service and God’s Elevation
Mordecai did not seek power, yet God raised him to the highest position under King Xerxes. He was a man who stood for God, refusing to bow to Haman because he understood that only the Lord deserves such reverence. This was not a mere act of defiance; it was a standard of faith. In a time when compromise was easy and fear could have dictated his actions, he remained unwavering.
When we stand for righteousness, God fights for us. Mordecai’s refusal to bow led to Haman’s fury and a death sentence over all the Jews, yet in the end, it was Haman who faced the gallows he had built for Mordecai. This reminds us of Proverbs 26:27:
“Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.” (Proverbs 26:27 KJV)
In life, we may face people like Haman—those who conspire against us or seek our downfall. However, we must not be moved. When we trust in God, He ensures that the traps set for us become the downfall of our enemies. Mordecai’s story echoes the promise in Isaiah 54:17:
“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV)
The Power of Godly Influence
Mordecai’s faithfulness did not just affect his own life. When he was promoted, many Persians turned to God and became Jews (Esther 8:17). His life was a testimony of what happens when a person stands boldly for the Lord. This should challenge us—what example are we setting in our workplaces, communities, and families? Do people see Christ in us and desire to follow Him because of our lives?
Jesus said in Matthew 5:16:
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Mordecai’s unwavering stand inspired Esther to be courageous. We see that she must have learned to trust in God through him, as he had raised her from childhood. He reminded her in Esther 4:14 that if she remained silent, God would still save His people but from another source. This is a great lesson—God’s plans will always come to pass, but we must choose whether we want to be vessels in His hands. If we do not step up, He will use someone else, but we will miss out on the blessing of being part of His work.
Esther’s Blessing: Divine Favor and Honor
Esther’s faith and obedience led to incredible blessings. As an orphan, she had no status, but because of God’s favor, she became queen. This reminds us of Psalm 113:7-8:
“He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people.”
Her greatest blessing, however, was not just the position of queen, but the divine favor that changed the heart of the king. The king extended his scepter to her, granting her access and authority (Esther 5:2). This signifies how God grants favor to His children, opening doors no man can shut.
“The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.” (Proverbs 21:1 KJV)
Beyond this, Esther received the blessing of influence and legacy. Because of her courage, she not only saved her people but also secured their future, ensuring they were honored instead of destroyed. She teaches us that when we step out in faith, God not only blesses us but also uses us to bless generations after us.
Esther’s story reminds us that no matter our background, God can position us for greatness when we seek Him.
The Power of Fasting and Prayer
One of the most striking elements in the book of Esther is the power of fasting and prayer. When Esther realized the danger facing her people, she did not rush to the king; instead, she first sought God. She declared a fast for three days and nights (Esther 4:16). This was a life-and-death matter, yet her response was spiritual before it was physical.
The results of Esther’s fast were immediate and supernatural. On the very night after the fast, the king could not sleep (Esther 6:1). Instead of rewarding Haman, who sought to destroy the Jews, he remembered Mordecai and honored him. This proves that when we fast and pray, God moves in ways we cannot see.
Isaiah 58:6 says:
“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?”
The Danger of Pride: The Fall of Haman
On the opposite side of Mordecai’s story is Haman—a man consumed by pride. He was given authority and honor, yet it was not enough for him. He sought to destroy an entire people simply because one man refused to bow to him. This is the nature of pride; it never finds satisfaction.
Proverbs 16:18 warns us:
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”
Haman’s downfall serves as a sobering reminder that power and wealth without humility are dangerous. If God blesses us with influence, we should use it to glorify Him, just as Mordecai and Esther did.
Final Lessons
- Stand for God, no matter the cost – Like Mordecai, we should not bow to the pressures of the world. Even when standing firm brings opposition, God is our defender.
- Your life is a testimony – When God lifts you, let it inspire others to follow Him. Be a light in your family, workplace, and community.
- Fasting and prayer change destinies – Just as Esther’s fast shifted an entire nation’s fate, so can prayer and fasting bring divine intervention in your life.
- Pride leads to destruction – Success should humble us, not elevate us above others. Haman’s story warns us of the dangers of arrogance.
- God always has a way – Even when circumstances seem impossible, God will make a way, just as He did for the Jews in Persia.
- God blesses obedience with favor and influence – Esther’s obedience brought her divine favor, honor, and legacy. She did not just save her people; she secured their future.
Like Esther, we must learn to seek God first in all things, trust in His plans, and be willing to take a stand. When we do, His blessings will overflow in our lives, and He will use us as vessels of honor for His glory.
