What can we learn from Esther's courage in approaching the king uninvited? Setting the Scene - Esther has prayed and fasted three days (Esther 4:16). - The law is clear: to approach the Persian king without a summons invites immediate death (Esther 4:11). - She steps into the throne room; the king extends the golden scepter (Esther 5:2). - Now comes the pivotal moment: “Bring Haman at once,” the king orders, “so that we may do what Esther has requested” (Esther 5:5). One courageous act sets God’s rescue plan in motion. Esther’s Brave Step—What Courage Looks Like • Obedience before outcome – She moves forward with no guarantee except her trust in God’s covenant faithfulness. • Self-sacrifice – “If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16). True courage embraces risk for the good of others (John 15:13). • Calm, purposeful strategy – Rather than blurting out her plea, she invites the king and Haman to a banquet, displaying wisdom under pressure (Matthew 10:16). • Confidence rooted in divine providence – God’s name isn’t written in Esther, yet His sovereignty saturates every line (Romans 8:28). Scripture Echoes of Courage - Joshua 1:9 — “Be strong and courageous… the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” - Psalm 56:3–4 — When fear rises, the psalmist puts trust in God. - 2 Timothy 1:7 — A spirit “of power, love, and self-control” equips believers today. - Hebrews 4:16 — Because of Christ, we “approach the throne of grace with confidence,” echoing Esther’s approach to an earthly throne. What We Can Learn Today • Approach God freely – Esther risked death; Jesus has removed that risk entirely. We can come boldly without fear of rejection. • Prepare spiritually before decisive moments – Fasting and prayer align hearts with God’s will and open eyes to His timing. • Act when the moment arrives – Delayed obedience is disobedience. Esther seized the window God provided. • Influence your sphere – Like Esther in the palace, every believer has a God-assigned place to speak up for righteousness (Proverbs 31:8-9). • Trust the unseen hand – Even when God seems silent, He orchestrates events for His people’s deliverance. Living Out Esther’s Lesson - Start each day acknowledging God’s sovereign control. - When faced with fear, rehearse His promises aloud. - Seek wise preparation—prayer, counsel, fasting—before critical decisions. - Step forward in faith, leaving outcomes to the Lord. |
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