Opening illustration: [YOUTUBE Video of Golda Meir – 4th Prime Minister of Israel]
Introduction: This was the day that Esther would either end up a hero or end up dead. Yeah. I’m pretty sure I would have been tempted to crawl back into bed, pull the covers over my head, and desperately pray that God would find some other woman – some other way – to save His people. Why me? Why here? Why now?
These are questions we often ask God when He calls us to be brave in less-than-ideal situations. When we wake up on that third day and it’s time to take that step of faith and move from the preparation stage to actually doing the hard things for God. Oh we’re bold in the preparing, but when it’s time to take that next step? Isn’t there an easier way, Father? Surely there’s someone else who’s more qualified … more available … more – I don’t know – “built” to handle these kinds of things?
But Esther saved the doubt and the drama, and instead responded with: “Then I will go.”
How to effectively use what is in your hand?
1. Be Empowered + Fearless (Esther 2:17-18)
Thousands of years ago, a woman's worth depended on how she looked. Esther was a metaphorical slave of her culture. Has it really changed for girls and women today? In my ministry, I meet many young women who are enslaved by the culture surrounding them, which eschews their true identity. As a result, they are blinded to God's purpose for their life.
We live in a media-saturated world which is communicating thousands of messages every day, consciously and unconsciously, to us. Advertisements, magazines and music videos teach girls that they are to be 'living dolls'; that their worth lies in their physical appearance. The result? Girls see their bodies as projects to be worked on as they strive to meet an unrealistic standard of beauty. I will never forget the young woman who told me at a youth group that as a result of the magazines that she consumed: "I am not enough."
God expects courage from his daughters. The book of Esther is clear evidence of this. Her courage has echoed through generations of Hebrews, but it ought to influence all women who call the Lord their Father. Our God is the same Messiah. When we live a life of fear we are not pursuing God’s best for us.
Whether it’s fear of rejection, fear of judgment, fear of being alone, or fear of suffering we must set it all aside and keep our eyes fixed on our Deliverer.
Where would we all be if Esther had chosen to stay silent? What if she had made her decision based on her fears rather than on her faith in God. She heeded the advice of her uncle Mordecai and recognized that God had destined her for such a time as this. And though she must have been terrified, she obeyed. Her courage was her obedience.
There is a greater message that God is trying to communicate to His daughters, through the story of Esther. I believe He wanted future generations of women to have this story to look back on to spur them on to courage. We needed a matriarch of valor to affirm the warrior that lives inside us once we have the Holy Spirit’s power. Esther’s legacy is one that says that fulfilling our God given purpose means that we cannot listen to the Enemy when he tells us that we aren’t strong enough, influential enough or valuable enough to be used by God.
There is a time that you have been made for. You have been placed in your job, in your marriage and in your family for a purpose. You have been given royal status in the Kingdom of God for such a time as this … for such a time as now. Listen to His leading and be ready to respond with courage when He calls.
Esther the Jewish slave was chosen as the new queen which put her in a position to petition the king for mercy on her people. But, Esther was only chosen as queen AFTER someone else refused to obey … This position was entrusted to her because someone disobeyed and Esther was willing to obey the King! She went a notch higher by even preparing herself to come into the presence of the king. Are you willing to obey your King of all kings and at the same time prepare yourself to come into His presence?
2. Stand up Boldly for Christ (Esther 4:13-17)
From a traditional standpoint, some may consider that Esther was indeed too bold and acted in a way that was not appropriate. Those with traditional mind sets believe that Esther should not have stood up to the king as she did. This was an inappropriate move for the day and age she was living in and out of line. Some may also think that this act was disrespectful in some way to her husband. Traditionalists today still do not think that it is right to stand up to your husband so boldly. They believe that women should listen to their husbands, and not interfere with what it is they want or believe because it is wrong.
Esther’s first step is to pray and fast. She fasts for three days and asks everyone in her community to fast with her. She knows that standing up to evil and fighting injustice is no small matter, and that she can accomplish nothing in her own strength or by herself. She can only succeed if the Lord gives her great favor and wisdom. Just as Mordecai reminded her, the Lord is the one who will bring deliverance, and she must act according to His will. Oh, how often do I act before praying! Or how often have I prayed a quick prayer for protection and blessing instead of spending hours -- or even days -- in prayer and fasting! As Esthers we must learn to begin every action with prayer and to rely on the Lord when bringing hope to the hopeless.
After three days of prayer and fasting, Esther acts with courage and boldness. She does not delay to act or hope God will send someone else. No, she steps forward in courage and faith, risking her life, believing that God will provide. Once given entrance to the king, she is wise and bold in her requests. She does not hesitate or lose courage, but she continues to walk as a courageous, faith-filled Esther. Esther is the perfect mix of waiting on the Lord and also walking in faith. She imitates her Esther-warrior God in every way.
Where is God calling you to bring His Hope? Where has He placed you so that you might fight against injustice and protect His people? Where are you confronting Evil on a daily basis? Have you spent time in prayer and fasting? Have you sought the Lord’s will for your life and the situations He has called you to? Or maybe you have spent time in prayer but are hesitant to act? Are you waiting for more signs or for God to send someone else? How can you step out in faith today? How can you live out your calling with courage and boldness?
Esther was a highly intelligent yet brave woman that we should look up to. Her great courage and confidence saved many lives. She was a woman who followed God and was unafraid to do what was required of her, even though she was facing great trials. Her great faith shows us that we can accomplish anything when we believe and set our minds to it. She has also showed us that we need not be afraid when serving the Lord.
Esther was put in a position that could have cost her life, yet she followed through with God's plan and stood up to her husband. Esther is the ultimate example of whom women should look to for inspiration in their lives for she was truly bold, beautiful, and brilliant.
3. Save our Community/Nation (lives) – Esther 8:1-6; 8-14; 16-17
Esther’s people - the Jews - were in danger. Due to an evil scheme by the king’s adviser, all of the Jews in the Persian Empire had been sentenced to death. The king was unaware that Esther was Jewish. When her cousin Mordecai told her of this news, he challenged her to view herself as uniquely placed in a position of influence so she could save her people.
Esther could remain silent and her life would be spared—as long as the king didn’t learn that she was Jewish. If she chose silence, she would lose her family and her people—she wouldn’t be used by God. Or she could choose to act. She could put her life on the line and stand up against injustice. That’s the path she selected, and God rewarded her faithfulness by protecting the Jews through a series of miraculous events.
Making a decision to follow Christ is a defining moment because we become a part of something bigger than ourselves. Being a Christ-follower gives us a purpose that is bigger than our own. Esther had lived her life as one of God’s chosen people. She believed in God and knew that he cared about his people—but it wasn’t until she chose to act on what she knew was right in the eyes of God that she was able to witness firsthand his mercy and love. Challenge your students this week to discover and experience the joy of putting their faith into action by helping the needy and standing against injustice in the world.
You know our nation desperately needs individuals like you and me to be willing to follow Esther’s example and stand in the gap for God. Our culture grows more corrupt and sinful every moment and I think much of the blame falls on those of us who hesitate to speak up and act for God’s truth. Remember all it takes for evil to prosper is for good people to do nothing and these days many good people ARE doing nothing. The people in your sphere of influence-that little “congregation” that God has given you, needs you to be salt and light. They need you to speak the truth in love … to guide them to faith in God. This morning many of us may need to make commitments to God to be as courageous as Esther.
Application: Queens, I EMPOWER you to willingly accept the new position that God is giving you. If the opportunity is the result of another’s disobedience, allow your obedience to take you to another level in Him! Remember that your obedience is connected to so many other people’s destinies! Prepare yourself to come into The King’s presence.
