If I Perish, I Perish

IF I PERISH, I PERISH

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Esther 4:16

"Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast for me, neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish."

Supporting Texts: Daniel 3:16-18, Matthew 10:39, Philippians 1:21, Acts 20:24, Hebrews 11:35-38

INTRODUCTION:

The statement "If I perish, I perish" is one of the most powerful declarations of faith and courage in the Bible. It was made by Queen Esther when she decided to risk her life to intercede for her people before King Ahasuerus. This statement symbolises total surrender to God's will, boldness in the face of adversity, and unwavering faith even when death seems imminent. As believers, we are sometimes faced with situations where we must stand firm in our faith, even at great personal cost. This sermon will examine the lessons from Esther’s bold decision and how we can apply them in our Christian journey.

1. THE COURAGE TO STAND FOR GOD

Esther's decision to approach the king despite the risk of death demonstrates the importance of standing courageously for God.

a) God calls us to take bold steps of faith (Joshua 1:9)

Fear can hinder us from fulfilling God’s purpose, but faith enables us to act courageously.

b) Courage comes through dependence on God (2 Timothy 1:7)

Esther did not rely on her own strength but sought God's help through fasting and prayer.

c) Obedience to God requires risk-taking (Daniel 3:16-18)

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow to Nebuchadnezzar’s image, even if it meant being thrown into the fiery furnace.

d) Faithfulness to God is more important than self-preservation (Matthew 10:39)

Jesus said that those who seek to save their lives will lose them, but those who lose their lives for His sake will find them.

e) Biblical Example: Daniel’s Bold Stand (Daniel 6:10-16)

Daniel continued praying to God despite the king’s decree, knowing that he could be thrown into the lion’s den.

2. GOD HONOURS THOSE WHO TAKE A STAND FOR HIM

When we take a stand for God, He steps in to fight for us.

a) God is always with the courageous (Isaiah 41:10)

He strengthens and upholds those who put their trust in Him.

b) Divine intervention follows bold faith (Esther 5:1-3)

When Esther approached the king, instead of death, she received favour.

c) God turns the enemy’s plans for evil into good (Genesis 50:20)

Haman planned to destroy the Jews, but God reversed the plan and destroyed him instead.

d) Those who trust in God will not be put to shame (Romans 10:11)

Faith in God ensures that we will not be ashamed, no matter the situation.

e) Biblical Example: Mordecai’s Promotion (Esther 6:10-11)

Mordecai was meant to be hanged, but God caused his enemy Haman to honour him instead.

3. WHEN TO SAY, "IF I PERISH, I PERISH"

There are times in our Christian journey when we must take bold stands for righteousness, even if it costs us.

a) When standing for truth and justice (Proverbs 31:8-9)

Esther risked her life to save her people; sometimes, we must take risks to stand for justice.

b) When defending the faith (Jude 1:3)

As believers, we must be willing to defend our faith, even when it leads to persecution.

c) When God’s purpose demands it (Acts 20:24)

Paul was willing to lay down his life for the sake of the Gospel.

d) When obedience to God conflicts with worldly demands (Exodus 1:17-21)

The Hebrew midwives refused to obey Pharaoh’s evil command to kill male Hebrew babies.

e) Biblical Example: Stephen’s Martyrdom (Acts 7:54-60)

Stephen stood for his faith even though it led to his death, and he was received into heaven by Jesus Himself.

4. FAITH IN GOD OVER FEAR OF MAN

The fear of man can paralyse us, but faith in God empowers us to move forward.

a) Fear leads to compromise (Proverbs 29:25)

When we fear people more than God, we may compromise our faith.

b) Faith in God leads to victory (1 John 5:4)

Overcoming fear through faith leads to triumph over every challenge.

c) God is greater than any earthly authority (Acts 5:29)

Peter and the apostles chose to obey God rather than man, even when threatened.

d) When we stand for God, He stands for us (Isaiah 54:17)

No weapon formed against us shall prosper when we put our trust in God.

e) Biblical Example: Elijah before King Ahab (1 Kings 18:17-18)

Elijah boldly confronted Ahab, proving that true faith does not bow to fear.

5. THE REWARD OF RISKING IT ALL FOR GOD

Taking a bold stand for God comes with divine rewards.