How can Esther's courage inspire us to stand against wrongdoing in our lives? The Pivotal Moment: Esther 7:10 “So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king’s fury subsided.” What Courage Looked Like for Esther • Stepping into danger: She approached the king uninvited, risking her life (Esther 4:16). • Naming evil plainly: She identified Haman as the enemy of her people (Esther 7:6). • Trusting God’s timing: She waited through two banquets until the right moment (Esther 5–7). • Accepting her role: “For such a time as this” (Esther 4:14) moved her from fear to action. Why Esther’s Courage Matters for Us • Wrongdoing still surrounds us—at work, in culture, even in our own hearts. • Silence can enable evil; speaking up can restrain it (Proverbs 31:8-9). • God places each believer in specific situations to represent Him (2 Corinthians 5:20). • Obedience invites His intervention; compromise forfeits blessing (James 4:17). Practical Ways to Stand Against Wrongdoing 1. Identify the issue clearly—call sin what it is, without softening it. 2. Pray and plan—seek God’s wisdom before acting, as Esther fasted (Esther 4:16). 3. Use respectful boldness—address authority with honor yet firmness (1 Peter 2:13-17). 4. Align with Scripture—let God’s Word set your standard, not shifting opinion. 5. Accept the cost—courage may risk reputation, comfort, or position (Luke 9:23). 6. Trust God for the outcome—He can “turn the tables” just as He did with Haman (Romans 8:28). Scripture Fuel for Courage • Proverbs 28:1 – “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” • Ephesians 6:13 – “Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand.” • Acts 4:19-20 – Peter and John: “We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” • James 4:17 – “Therefore, whoever knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin.” • Romans 12:21 – “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Esther’s gallows scene is more than history; it is a divine reminder that God honors those who stand for righteousness. Let her courage embolden us to confront wrongdoing—swiftly, wisely, and faithfully—trusting the Lord to handle the results. |
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