Are you under the pump? Syrian espresso and an Esther fast may be the remedy!

One of life's little pleasures this afternoon after tools down at the office, a visit with a friend.

Petra and I met in Hervey Bay when we had our six months here. It seemed as though we only just met when the cloud moved us on but I still come up for business regularly so make sure to call in and see her. Petra originally born in Syria now calls Australia home where she is raising three energetic children with her husband J. Slowly we are sharing the stories of our lives together in the little moments when our lives intersect.

As soon as I arrive in her home she begins to brew a pot of Syrian espresso on the stove and manages to casually pull from her well stashed fridge an exotic looking, middle eastern cake, sometimes full, other times a few portions already missing. Three year old on one hip whilst she pours my espresso and the coffee spills onto the bench. An image of our lives really as we try and balance our way through each day with the demands, whilst we still try and make time for a little moment of luxury and avert disaster at every corner .

If you have small kids you know you what I'm talking about.

All the retired folk living the dream and we are trying to keep everything hanging together with sticky tape.

And I get it.

I know that feeling when the little ones in our lives need us and we just want a moment ....

to be still....

and quiet....

and breathe.

Petra is waiting, hoping that her mum's visitors visa will be processed. For family back up to arrive and take that pressure off. So we will continue to pray for this together

And we recalled together the story of Esther. The story of a young woman who went from being a nobody to living in a foreign country and having her name etched in the pages of history.

Whilst her roots were Jewish, Esther and many other of her community found themselves living in Persia (modern day Iran). Esther lands in the King's harem, sold basically into sexual slavery, stripped of her rights and any dreams for a normal life. But there was a purpose in her position.

Someone was about to push Esther and her people to the edge of their very existence and they had to find a way through. She was under the pump big time. Uncle was pressing her to approach the King for help but that could have been disastrous for her.

So she calls it in, for three days Esther and her crew are going to pray and fast.

"Queen Esther" by Edwin Long, 1878, oil on canvas, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne.

You can get the low down on the full story here.

How about you, do you feel as though you are under extreme pressure in a situation and you can't see any way out?

Could an Esther inspired fast bring the breakthrough you are seeking?

Why not bring your petition for help to the same King that Esther approached? The King of Kings.

Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to El Shaddai. And the peace of El Shaddai which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Yeshua Messiah.

And if you want a crew to pray and fast with you, just give us a yell!

Keep us posted!

Shalom friends!

About Caroline:

Caroline is a lawyer, disciple, investor, writer, crossfit enthusiast and money coach. She has been studying the Bible for twenty plus years and enjoys helping people unpack and discover the benefits of a covenant relationship with Yeshua as contained and revealed in His Word.