FAST FOR ME
Today's reading: Esther 1-5

"Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai, Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me..." Esther 4:15-16 NLT

Never have I noticed how seriously and desperately Esther desired to know God's will.

This morning it hit me--like a ton of bricks!

I even looked deeper into this verse with the help of Merriam Webster and blueletterbible.com.

She asked her uncle and her people to fast for her.

I thought I knew what fasting was all about, but here's what I uncovered...

Fast-to abstain from food.

I knew that, but when I went deeper...

The primary idea of fasting lies in the mouth being shut, according to the Arabic root word.

When I desperately need to hear from God, I will ask friends to fast--to keep their mouths shut about it, but to pray with their whole heart and their entire beings. I won't ask them to spread the word. I won't ask for advice. I won't desire to know their thoughts or feelings. I will ask them to close their mouths and use their soul relationship with God to plead on my behalf.

Fast for me, what a life changing challenge/request/favor. What a privilege.