Prepare Like Your Prayer Is Answered

It's March 14th, the second day of Purim, a joyous Jewish holiday that celebrates the miraculous events told in the Book of Esther. But before the miracle took place Esther had two options ahead of her: death or acceptance.

A decree had been sent out which would see the all the Jews in exile destroyed, Esther had been charged to use her influence to do something about it. Here's a glimpse into how she responded in Esther 4 & 5,

“Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!”” Esther 4:15-16

“Now it happened on the third day that Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, across from the king’s house, while the king sat on his royal throne in the royal house, facing the entrance of the house. So it was, when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, that she found favor in his sight, and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther went near and touched the top of the scepter. And the king said to her, “What do you wish, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given to you—up to half the kingdom!” So Esther answered, “If it pleases the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him.” Then the king said, “Bring Haman quickly, that he may do as Esther has said.” So the king and Haman went to the banquet that Esther had prepared.” ‭‭Esther‬ ‭5:1-15

Esther fasted for three days, neither eating nor drinking, praying fervently for favor as she prepared to approach the king. A king known for his volatility and irrational decisions, whose actions were often guided by emotions rather than reason. Despite the risk, Esther demonstrated a remarkable act of faith—not by merely praying for favor but by taking deliberate actions:



When we face significant challenges, isolation is not the answer. The greater the adversity we face, the larger the community we need. We need community who can pray with us, who will be willing to fast with us, who will suffer for us. We need community who understands the weight and cost of failure.

For Esther, the cost was clear—her neck would be on the line. For her people, the Jews, if she didn't succeed it would their heads that would fall next. The stakes were high. It was tangible for Esther and the Jews. The "why" behind the fast and prayer was easy to grasp.

Sometimes our challenges are this tangible, a medical diagnosis, a letter in the mail, a hurting child or broken relationship. Other times, it feels more intangible like the salvation of a souls, assurance for a decision, or a looming fear and anxiety.

No matter how tangible it might be we need a community praying and believing with us.

Like Esther, we have to do these four things:

1. Lead with Vision: Clearly articulate why fasting and prayer are needed. What are the stakes, and what specifically are you asking from God and your community?

2. Prioritize the Closest: Engage those directly affected first. These individuals should understand the weight and share the burden alongside you.

3. Maintain High Standards: Do not ask others to contribute less than you spiritually. Invite your community to uphold a shared commitment, it takes all of us being all in.

4. Actively Prepare: Prayer is not passive. While praying for divine intervention, begin preparations for the outcome you are hoping for, demonstrating active faith.

Esther's actions exemplify how faith operates through leadership and community. She made the consequences clear, she established the fast that she and those under her care were going to do, she invited Mordecai and the rest of the Jews into the same fast as her and then she prepared the banquet. She led the way, led those she was over, maintained the standard and activated her faith.

She didn’t get lazy, she didn’t isolate, she didn’t pray and do nothing. She got to work. She led, she prayed, she acted on her faith.

You and I must do the same. The greater the adversity the greater our need for community.

Reflect on your current challenges: What do you need from God that only He can provide? Who is supporting you in prayer and preparation? Remember, the size of our community should match the magnitude of our adversity. If we wish for miracles, we must have faith in what God can do while preparing ourselves to act.

This type of faith aligns with and submits to God's will. It's the type of faith that says "either way, I trust you God." It's the faith Esther showed as she prepared a dinner believing for favor, then ran into the king’s court not knowing if she had obtained it.  It's type of faith Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego showed in the face of a fiery furnace, Noah showed building a boat in a desert, and Abraham showed leaving his home for an unknown land. It is the faith Christ modeled—asking for relief but submitting to the Father’s will. It’s faith the disciples showed spreading the gospel in the face of persecution. It's a faith in God’s eternal goodness amidst temporary trials and hardship. An active trust in His power to redeem and restore—a faith that prays, trust, and acts.

It's the type of faith that is forged in adversity while surrounded by community.