Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan,
and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days,
night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and
so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law:
and if I perish, I perish.
(Esther 4:16)

Esther the queen was warned by her uncle that the position she held as queen would not exempt her from escaping the same fate that was planned for her people, the Jews. It’s hard to say what thoughts she entertained at this initial announcement that Haman had planned genocide for her people (Esther 4:14).

We are those who have been physically hard-hit by a current virus. Some have even lost their fight. We have heard some testimonies of others who are recovering. It is God’s mercy that there are some around us who, like Esther, have not had to grapple with this sentence and deep “shadow of death”. Those who contracted this virus face extreme mental and physical challenges. Imagine a similar account of the Jews in Esther’s day, knowing that they would be executed in a matter of days! There was great mourning and many laid prostrate in sack cloth and ashes (Esther 4:3). There was fasting, weeping, and wailing! Although Esther seemingly was not affected by what her fellow-Jews were facing (because her identity, as a Jew, was hidden), she still did the right thing by interceding for her people before the king. She approached the king and ask for mercy for those she loved. She could have lost her life by approaching him and eventually revealing to him that she was a Jew, as well.

Esther is an example to us. Those who have not been physically challenged with what is infecting others still have a responsibility to not only be concerned, but to be engaged! Like Esther, we owe it to those around us to intercede on their behalf with seasons of fasting and continual prayer. These are the times when those who feel secure in their homes are to become engaged! Mordecai told Esther, in so many words, that a palace and shelter would not save her. (She had to be engaged!) Only God has the option of saving us and those we know. Pray for those you know who are suffering severely. Also, fast for those you know who are suffering severely. Get out of places of comfort and, if physically possible, prostrate yourself before God! Cry out for those who need your voice!

Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with
them; and them which suffer adversity, as being
yourselves also in the body. (Heb. 13:3)

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one
for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent
prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16)

Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience,
in all things willing to live honestly. (Heb. 13:18)

I thank my God, making mention
of thee always in my prayers. (Phl. 1:4)

But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that
through your prayers I shall be given unto you. (Phl. 1:22)

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word
of the Lord may have free course, and be
glorified, even as it is with you. (II Thes. 3:1)