DAY 1: The Decree of Destruction

Haman’s edict spells doom for the Jews (Esther 3:12-15), evoking the anguish of TPS termination notices that endanger lives built in exile.

Key Verses:
•       Esther 4:1-3 (NIV): “When Mordecai learned… he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly.”
•       Esther 4:16 (partial): “Go, gather together all the Jews… and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days…”

Devotional Reflection: In the Book of Esther, a malicious plot via royal decree unleashes terror across the empire, with Mordecai’s public mourning rallying the community to collective lament. Today, as TPS faces governmental revocation, threatening deportation, family separation, and Haitian community stability, Esther models turning individual despair into unified fasting. This total abstinence (no food or water) humbles us before God, piercing heavenly courts to challenge unjust policies, just as it did in ancient Susa. Mourn the “decrees” against your household, ministry, or brethren’s legal protections, trusting God’s attentiveness to the oppressed (Psalm 34:15).

Prayer: Sovereign Lord, like Haman’s decree endangering Your people, we cry over TPS threats that scatter families. Unite us in Esther’s fast; hear our wails and dismantle every destructive policy. Amen.

DAY 2: The Call to Courage

Mordecai urges Esther to leverage her position, birthing her resolute fast before defying the law (Esther 4:11-17).

Key Verses:
•       Esther 4:14 (NIV): “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
•       2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV): “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven forgive their sins and heal their land”

Devotional Reflection: Positioned as queen “for such a time,” Esther fasts to summon supernatural boldness amid lethal risks, mirroring TPS advocates, pastors, and leaders called to advocate before authorities. As federal decisions loom to strip protections, this day refines courage through fleshly denial, revealing God’s providence in placing believers, nonprofit directors, church intercessors, in influence spheres. Reflect on your “royal position” in faith communities or policy arenas; let fasting clarify steps like petitions, prayer vigils, or testimonies that could sway outcomes, shifting from fear of eviction to faith in reversal.

Prayer: Father, as Esther embraced her moment, embolden TPS holders and allies for such a time as this. Through fasting, humble us to seek Your face; grant favor with leaders and reverse termination plans. Amen.

Day 3: Reversal and Restoration

Post-fast, Esther’s approach topples Haman, nullifying the decree and birthing Purim’s joy (Esther 8-9).

Key Verses:
•       Esther 8:5 (NIV): “If it pleases the king… revoke the edicts of Haman… plotted against the Jews.”
•       Esther 9:22 (NIV): “…from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, days for sending gifts of food to one another and gifts to the poor.”

Devotional Reflection: Esther’s obedience culminates in total reversal: new decrees empower self-defense, transforming slaughter into celebration. For TPS, this evokes hope for judicial stays, legislative renewals, or executive grace preserving status amid Haiti’s crises. As we conclude this fast, let us declare victory over bureaucratic Hamans, agencies plotting removal, envisioning restored stability, family unity, and ministry flourishing. God’s unseen hand, absent from Esther’s text yet evident, promises to “restore what the locust has eaten” (Joel 2:25), turning policy ashes into communal testimony.

Prayer: God of Esther, revoke TPS threats as You felled Haman; issue decrees of protection and joy. Restore uprooted lives, fortify Haitian communities, and glorify Yourself through our fast. In Jesus’ name, Amen.