Esther’s Vision

“So the king and Haman went to Queen Esther’s banquet, . . . the king again asked, ‘Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be granted'” (Esther 7:1-2).

In the Old Testament, we learn of an ordinary woman, named Esther, who saw a need and met that need. Esther was a Jewish woman living in exile in Persia. Through God’s plan, she married King Xerxes and found herself in a unique position to help her people.

When the king agreed to the planned execution of the Jews within his kingdom, Esther was poised to change his mind. God had placed her in the right place at the right time—but it was risky and dangerous. Esther was afraid and hesitant to act. Drawing from his trust in God, Esther’s cousin Mordecai knew the Lord would act for His people and thus admonished Esther that this was a crucial moment in her life—one that required deep courage and faith (see Esther 4:12-14).

What was Esther’s response to Mordecai’s strong words? “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:15-16).

Esther’s decision did not come easily. She wrestled with her fears over her own future. She knew she was putting her life on the line to approach the king. But in the end, she knew what God was calling her to do, and she obeyed.

Prayer: God, thank You for the example of Esther, who saw a need and responded in obedience to what You were calling her to do. Help me to have that kind of courage and vision. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.