Read:
Esther was a young Jewish woman living in Persia who unexpectedly became queen. But her position came with a painful tension. When a plot was set in motion to destroy the Jewish people, Esther was suddenly in a position where she could speak up, but doing so could cost her everything. Approaching the king without being invited was dangerous, and choosing silence would have been far safer.
There are moments in life when following Jesus becomes costly. It may cost comfort, convenience, reputation, or control. And in those moments, people are faced with a choice: protect themselves, or trust God enough to obey.
Esther faced that same choice. Speaking up and standing up for what was right would put her comfort, security, and even her life at risk. Staying quiet would have been easier. Safer.
But Esther knew that staying faithful to God would require risk and trust in God’s plans.
Esther’s story reminds readers that courage is not the absence of fear. It is obedience in the middle of it. Esther did not act in such a remarkable way because she was fearless. She acted because she simply could not ignore what God had put in front of her, and no amount of fear could drown it out.
Esther chose courage. And because she did, God’s power was put on display, lives were saved, and her story still encourages and empowers people thousands of years later.
Pray: God, when obedience feels costly, give me courage. Help me not to turn away from what you’re asking of me. Strengthen me to trust you no matter how risky it feels. Amen.