Empower Your Faith: Lessons from Esther’s Bravery

What can we learn from Esther’s courage in the Bible?

Esther’s courage in the Bible teaches us the importance of faith, bravery, and seeking God’s guidance during times of crisis. Faced with the potential destruction of her people, she fasted, prayed, and made the bold decision to approach the king, even though it could cost her life. Her story inspires us to trust in God and act with courage, even when fear is present.

When we think about crisis situations, we often imagine big, dramatic moments where everything is on the line. And that’s exactly where we find Esther today. Esther, our hero, is facing the biggest crisis of her life, and her people are on the brink of annihilation. The survival of an entire nation rests on her shoulders. No pressure, right? But before we dig into the depth of Esther’s situation, let’s read through the scripture that sets the scene.

Scripture: Esther 4:1-17

EXCERPT: Esther 4:1-2, 4-5, 10-11, 13-17 (ESV)
1 When Mordecai learned all that had been done, Mordecai tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and he cried out with a loud and bitter cry. 2 He went up to the entrance of the king’s gate, for no one was allowed to enter the king’s gate clothed in sackcloth.

4 When Esther’s young women and her eunuchs came and told her, the queen was deeply distressed. She sent garments to clothe Mordecai, so that he might take off his sackcloth, but he would not accept them. 5 Then Esther called for Hathach, one of the king’s eunuchs, who had been appointed to attend her, and ordered him to go to Mordecai to learn what this was and why it was.

10 Then Esther spoke to Hathach and commanded him to go to Mordecai and say, 11 “All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that if any man or woman goes to the king inside the inner court without being called, there is but one law—to be put to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter so that he may live. But as for me, I have not been called to come in to the king these thirty days.”

13 Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think to yourself that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. 14 For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

15 Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, 16 “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” 17 Mordecai then went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.

Ah, the courage of a queen. Esther’s words, “If I perish, I perish,” ring with bravery and resolve. But don’t let the noble words fool you—she was terrified. This wasn’t just some bold move for the sake of theatrics. No, this was a woman taking her life into her own hands, literally, to save her people. Now, let’s unpack this scene and find out how we can relate to her courage in our own lives.

Historical Context and Esther’s Fear

To understand the weight of Esther’s decision, we need to consider the historical context. The Persian Empire was vast, powerful, and, to put it mildly, ruthless. Esther, an orphaned Jewish girl who rose to become queen, was in no position to make demands. Women had little say, and even queens had to be invited to speak to the king. If Esther approached the king without being summoned, she could face immediate execution. In other words, she wasn’t just taking a social risk—she was risking her life.

Esther had every reason to be afraid. The Persian court was not a place of mercy or second chances. You either followed the rules, or you were out—permanently. The king wasn’t exactly known for being approachable, and Esther wasn’t the only queen he’d had. We all remember Queen Vashti, right? She was dethroned for simply refusing the king’s order to display herself at a banquet. Now, here’s Esther contemplating something far riskier: speaking without being summoned.

But fear didn’t paralyze her. Esther turned to God in her moment of crisis. She chose to fast and seek divine guidance before making a move. This wasn’t impulsive courage; it was courage rooted in prayer and dependence on God. And isn’t that something we can all relate to in our own midlife crises?

Courage in Crisis

Courage isn’t the absence of fear. It’s doing what needs to be done despite the fear. Let’s be real—when we’re in the midst of a crisis, fear is often the first response. And in midlife, crises come in many forms. Maybe it’s a health scare, a career pivot, or navigating a relationship on the rocks. Whatever the crisis, we often find ourselves, like Esther, unsure of what to do and fearing the worst.

Esther teaches us that courage starts with acknowledging the fear. She didn’t pretend everything was fine, and she didn’t brush aside the enormity of the task. She faced it, admitted her fear, and took it to God. Fasting was a way of seeking divine direction, a way of clearing the mind and focusing on God’s voice. There’s power in that pause before acting, especially when we’re tempted to rush into solutions.

In midlife, we may feel that the stakes are higher than ever before. Whether it’s making a career shift, adjusting to an empty nest, or dealing with health concerns, these moments can feel like crises that test our courage. Like Esther, we need to seek God’s guidance before making any bold moves. Courage in midlife means pausing, praying, and then stepping forward in faith.

Graceful Refection

• What’s a crisis you’ve faced (or are facing) that requires courage?
• Have you sought God’s guidance in your crisis, or have you been trying to fix it on your own?
• How does Esther’s response inspire you to handle your own fear and uncertainty?

Esther’s Strategic Courage

Esther didn’t rush into action. She fasted for three days, alongside her people, seeking wisdom and strength. This was a bold strategy. It’s easy to think that courage is all about doing something quickly, but Esther teaches us that real courage is sometimes about waiting on God. She needed clarity before approaching the king, and fasting gave her that focus.

In our fast-paced culture, we often feel pressured to make decisions quickly. But sometimes, the best thing we can do is hit pause, pray, and let God lead us. Fasting may not always mean giving up food. In today’s world, it could mean stepping away from distractions like social media, TV, or other noise that clouds our ability to hear God. It’s about creating space for God to speak into our lives.

Esther knew that fasting would not only strengthen her resolve but also unite the Jewish people in their faith. It was a communal act of courage and faith. When facing our own midlife crises, we need to remember that we’re not alone. We can lean on God, and we can also find strength in community, whether through prayer groups, church support, or even trusted friends who share our faith journey.

Midlife Reflections on Courage

As we step into midlife, we often face crises that shake us to our core. They might not be as dramatic as Esther’s life-or-death situation, but they certainly feel that way. Whether it’s the realization that we’re not where we thought we’d be in life, dealing with unexpected health issues, or facing significant life transitions, midlife can be filled with its share of crises. And in those moments, courage feels fleeting.

Here’s the thing: Esther wasn’t born a queen, and she wasn’t handed courage on a silver platter. She built it, day by day, with small acts of faithfulness and reliance on God. Her decision to fast shows us that before taking any big steps, we need to pause, pray, and gather the strength that only comes from God. In our midlife, with all its changes and uncertainties, we can do the same.

Courage in midlife is about moving forward in the face of uncertainty, just as Esther did. It’s about trusting God with our fears and allowing Him to guide us through difficult decisions. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the many challenges of midlife, but as Esther’s story shows, we’re never alone in facing them.

Deep Insights

Esther’s story is rich with insights, but one of the most profound is her commitment to fasting. Fasting was a way to humble herself before God, to acknowledge that the crisis was bigger than her but not bigger than God. It’s easy to think that courage is all about taking action, but Esther shows us that courage is also about waiting on God’s timing. She didn’t rush to the king—she took three days to fast and pray.

In our culture, where quick fixes and immediate solutions are praised, Esther’s story reminds us that true courage often involves waiting on God, even when everything in us wants to rush ahead. It’s in that waiting where we find our strength and clarity.

Action Steps

1. Pause and Pray: When facing a crisis, pause before reacting. Spend time in prayer, seeking God’s guidance just like Esther did.
2. Fasting and Focus: Consider fasting—not necessarily from food, but from distractions like social media, TV, or anything that clouds your judgment. Use that time to focus on God.
3. Take the Step: After seeking God’s guidance, be ready to take the next step, even if it’s scary. Esther didn’t hesitate when the time came, and neither should we.
4. Seek Community: Esther had Mordecai and her people. Don’t isolate yourself in your crisis. Seek support from those who share your faith journey.

Key Takeaways

• Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s action in the face of fear.
• Seeking God’s guidance through prayer and fasting brings clarity and strength.
• In moments of crisis, pause and allow God to lead the way, rather than rushing to fix things on your own.
• Midlife crises, though daunting, can be opportunities to grow in courage and faith.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the example of Esther, who showed us what true courage looks like in the midst of crisis. When we face our own trials, help us to pause, seek your guidance, and act with faith, knowing that you are in control. Give us the strength to be courageous, not because we are fearless, but because we trust in you. May we fast from distractions and draw closer to you in moments of uncertainty. Lead us, guide us, and fill us with your peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Thoughts

Today’s reflection on Esther’s courage reminds us that even in our most terrifying moments, God is with us. Whether we’re facing a midlife crisis or just a tough decision, we can find courage by seeking God’s guidance, just as Esther did. Tomorrow, we’ll continue our journey with Esther as we explore how faith influences action. Stay tuned, and remember, if I perish, I perish… but I’ll do it with grace and God’s strength.

Stay blessed, stay joyful, and keep soaring by grace!