Defend

Ever been on a spiritual high and made a bold commitment to God, only to come down from the mountain and lose momentum before you even hit the parking lot? That kind of crash happens all the time. But not with Esther. After a time of fasting and praying, she didn’t flinch. She didn’t just feel spiritual; she put feet to her faith. When the time came, she dressed like royalty, stood where she wasn't supposed to, and risked everything—not for herself, but for her people. Esther shows us that real faith doesn’t wait for convenience; it moves with conviction.

Courage like that doesn’t come from nowhere. It’s the result of knowing God is present, even if the outcome is uncertain. Esther didn’t know how the king would react. She didn’t know if she’d be killed or received. But she stepped forward anyway. That’s faith—obedience without full understanding. It’s the same posture Jesus took as He headed to the cross, determined and resolute, knowing exactly what obedience would cost Him. Like Jesus, Esther didn’t allow fear to paralyze her. She acted, trusting that the Lord who called her to this moment would carry her through it.

When Esther stood in the throne room and found favor, it wasn’t luck. It was divine favor wrapped in human courage. God had already gone before her. But that moment didn’t mean the mission was complete. Her next challenge wasn’t just about surviving—it was about speaking wisely. Rather than blurting out her request, she chose strategy over impulse. She invited the king and Haman to a feast. Some might call it a delay, but it was a divine setup. Esther knew she wasn’t just talking to a king—she was navigating an empire. Wisdom required patience, and faith demanded courage.

Her plan revealed the balance between faith and shrewdness. She didn’t walk in like a wrecking ball, but she wasn’t timid either. She used timing, tone, and even tradition to open the door for her true request. Esther’s story reminds us that being bold for God doesn’t always mean shouting from rooftops. Sometimes it means whispering in thronerooms. And yet, it still takes every ounce of courage you’ve got.

Meanwhile, across the palace, Haman was crashing from joy to fury all because one man—Mordecai—refused to honor him. This contrast between Esther and Haman couldn’t be clearer. Esther risked her life for others; Haman was ready to take a life for his pride. His joy was fragile because it wasn’t rooted in God—it was rooted in ego. That’s the danger of idolatry. When our joy is tied to status, recognition, or control, it can evaporate in an instant. The person who finds joy only in what they receive will be crushed when they’re refused. Esther’s joy came from surrender; Haman’s joy came from self. Only one of those is indestructible.

Esther’s selflessness continued to shine. She didn’t ask the king for riches, safety, or revenge—she sought salvation for her people. Her petition wasn’t driven by comfort but by calling. She stands in contrast to Haman, who surrounded himself with people who echoed his arrogance. When we surround ourselves with voices that reinforce our pride rather than refine our purpose, we start building gallows for our own downfall. Haman didn’t need more yes-men; he needed someone to speak truth. Instead, he got applause for his pride—and it cost him everything.

This chapter in Esther’s life is a call to action. A call to faith. A call to obedience even when we don’t understand the whole picture. Like Esther, we may not see the full outcome. We may only see the first step. But we’re still called to take it. We must be willing to speak when it's time, act when the door opens, and move when God says go. The gospel’s urgency demands more than good intentions—it calls for bold action. Because time is running out. People are perishing. And your voice—your story—might be exactly what someone else needs to hear. So don’t delay. Take the step. Tell the story. Trust God with the outcome.