Fasting Devotion 2026: Day 13

Fasting Devotional – Day Thirteen

Friday, January 23, 2026

Title: Esther Surrenders Her Safety

Text: Esther 4-7

Written by: Heather Lambert

Thoughts:

I often hear myself and others praying, “…and Lord, keep us safe”  or “watch over us” or “protect us.” The idea of safety and the Lord’s protection provides comfort and reassurance for us all.  We trust God to keep us safe, to keep those we love safe, and to protect our lives as we know them.  What if we were called to surrender our safety?  What if God calls us to serve in a way we see as unsafe?  What is we feel fear in the face of the Lord’s opportunities for us?  Is it hard to believe that God would want us to be willing to surrender our need for safety?  Do we find that hard to believe about God?  Consider Esther  Chapter 4, Mordecai challenges Esther to intervene with the King when he realizes a royal decree has gone out for the destruction of the Jewish people. He instructs Ester to go to the king, but  Esther hesitates. She knows that approaching the king uninvited could cost her life. Mordecai challenges her with the famous reminder that she may have come to her royal position “for such a time as this.” Esther accepts her responsibility, asks the Jews to fast for her, and resolves to approach the king—even if it means death- saying in Esther 4:16, “And if I perish, I perish.” 

What a bold challenge! What a courageous statement! 

Challenge:

Sometimes it feels like we love our safety, security, and even comfort more than God’s strategies, wills, and commands.  Look to Esther.  She possessed courage in the face of risk, she trusted in the providence of God working behind the scenes, she didn’t wait for others to reverse the injustice, she took action.  Isn’t there power in the faithful obedience of God’s people at the right moment?  Is it possible that you have missed the right moments in the past?  Sure!  Has your safety and security become an idol that mandates you choose safety over Kingdom?  Do you believe God positions his people strategically?  What steps forward in courage and obedience can you take?  Will God use you to bring deliverance?  Is this your time?  Are you willing?

Prayer:

I am praying for our church, for our community, for our leaders.  I am praying that nothing would grasp our hearts and take the place of God’s will and ways.  I am praying that God would continue to raise up bold, courageous, and mighty men and women who are willing to CHARGE in faithful obedience!