Do you ever feel like you aren’t good enough or don’t belong?
The story of Esther might be for you. Esther was a Jewish woman who became a Persian queen after the king’s previous wife was banished.
Her story teaches us valuable lessons about potential, courage, and faith.
HIDDEN POTENTIAL
Being Jewish, Esther was an outsider in the Persian kingdom, so she faced a lot of challenges because Jewish people weren’t welcome in Persia. The king didn’t know Esther was Jewish, so she wasn’t free to be herself. There are times when we all feel like outsiders, but Esther’s story tells us God has us exactly where we need to be, even if we can’t see it at first. Trust that God will equip us with the gifts and experiences necessary to live a great life and fulfill His purposes.
STEPPING OUT IN FAITH
Fear can be the fuel that propels us to do the things we know we need to do to live the life we want to live, or it can be the mountain in the way that keeps us from becoming the people we want to become and living the life we want to live. Esther risked her life after learning about a plot to kill the Jewish people. She knew she had to tell the king about the plot to save her people, but she had hidden her Jewish heritage, and in the Persian court, it was strictly forbidden to approach the king unannounced. Anyone who did so without being summoned risked immediate death unless the king extended mercy by holding out his golden scepter (Esther 4:11).
Esther was gambling on the king's favor and hoping he wouldn't react harshly. The stakes were incredibly high, and her bravery in defying protocol to save her people is a central theme of the learning about the plot to kill the Jews, Esther prepares for three days of fasting and prayer before approaching the king (Esther 4:16).
USE YOUR VOICE
God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called. Esther might not have felt fully prepared to stand up for her people, but she did so anyway. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “The time is always right to do what’s right.” There are times we have to step up and do hard things, and often, we aren’t ready or feel prepared, but we have to decide to do it anyway. When it’s time to speak up and do what is right or speak up for what’s right, do so with the faith, courage, and confidence that God will support you.
Do what you can. Write down what you want to say or do, know why you want to say it or do it, and say or do what you know you need to.
REMEMBER
God works in mysterious ways, even when we don't see His hand. Like Esther, trust Him and believe He has a plan for your life.
SOMETHING(s) TO THINK ABOUT
1 - What situation might be calling you to use your voice or step outside your comfort zone?
2 - How can you trust God more fully in your current circumstances?
3 - How can you speak up for or support the people around you who need the courage to step out of their comfort zone?
My Prayer
Dear God, thank you for placing me where we can best serve you. Grant me the courage to face our fears and use our gifts for your glory. Amen.
For a printable PDF of this post, click here: Potential, Faith, and Courage Through Fear | Esther's Story
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