Few of us will ever confront an edict from the government calling for our destruction, but that’s what Queen Esther faced. Falsely accused, a jealous official conned the king into a genocide over his wounded pride. Despite the foolishness, troops were mustered and knives sharpened.

Her uncle Mordecai urged her to go to the king and beg to have the order rescinded. He told her, Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?

Esther feared for her life. She knew her husband to be a capricious leader, erratic and easily swayed by his moods. If she approached him at the wrong time he might banish her or worse, put her to death.

Under severe distress, Esther asked Mordecai and her fellow Jewish citizens to fast for three days and told him, When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.

A young, inexperienced woman thrust into extraordinary circumstances made one of the bravest decisions recorded in the Bible. Esther fasted and prayed—giving herself to the Lord—resolved to follow though on what she determined she must do.

What decisions do you and I face that require bravery? Maybe at work when we’re called to compromise? It might be with family or friends where we know a hard conversation should happen, but we remain silent. Or even in our communities or schools, speaking into the difficult social issues affecting our children?

We all face daunting choices at times. Esther’s model of decision-making proves helpful for me. Fast, pray, and seek the Lord. Allow God and his words to guide my response and stiffen my resolve. Then step forward, and if I perish professionally, relationally, or socially, I perish.

Fight the good fight, and keep the faith.

Esther 4 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Dave Lowe