Esther Mandate Devotional Day 3: The Importance of Fasting, Wisdom of Mordecai, and the Great Reversal - Esther Ch. 5-6
In this video, our head of administration, Adriel Lomotey, covers the thickening plot in Esther 5 and 6, as the story flips on its head like a dreydel. Esther does not rush into action casually. She fasts, prepares, and then moves with remarkable wisdom. Her first banquet seems almost like a delay, but chapter 6 reveals that God is using that space to begin the reversal. A sleepless king, a forgotten act of faithfulness, and a proud enemy collide at exactly the right time. Esther 5–6 reminds us that God’s hidden providence often works through ordinary moments to produce extraordinary reversals. Esther shows us that Kingdom courage is not reckless. It is prayerful, strategic, patient, and trusting in God’s hidden providence.
Today's Reading is Esther Chapters 5 and 6
Reflection Questions (you know the drill, think, pray, and discuss)
What does dependence on God look like for you before you act?
Where do you need wisdom and timing, not just passion?
What “ordinary” detail in your life might God be using in ways you cannot yet see?
Prayer (and we're continuing our Prayer Marathon tonight at 8 PM ET. Be there or be 🟪):
Lord, teach me to depend on You before I step into difficult moments. Give me wisdom, patience, and trust in Your hidden providence. Turn what I cannot turn on my own, in your name Lord Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.
TAKE ACTION: Read Esther 5–6 and list every reversal or shift you notice, even the small ones.
“Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for 'God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.'”
I Peter 5:5 NKJV
One of the most satisfying aspects of the book of Esther are the reversals. The proud that expect to be honored are instead humbled and humiliated (Haman), and the humble that seek the good of others are elevated and honored (Esther and Mordecai). The workarounds are incredible, and it point to a theme we see throughout the Hebrew Bible. this reversal, of God exalting the humble and humbling the proud, is also often referenced in music. See the the songs of the Psalms, in Hannah’s rejoicing in 1 Samuel, and in Mary’s Magnificat in Luke. God loves to subvert expectations and as the Apostle Peter notes, give “grace” (favor) to the humble.