Defining MomentsSample

Have you ever done something risky? Something with consequences if you fail,  but a high reward if you succeed? Today, we see the brave example, Esther—a peasant Israelite living in Persia became the queen and bravely stood up as a voice for her people in the face of genocide. Esther knew she had to be the voice for the people who couldn’t speak for themselves, but in doing so she took a great risk that could earn the disfavor of the king. She could even lose her life, but she knew that in order to save the lives of her people she would need to trust God in her defining moment—and trust that no matter what, God’s plan would work out for the good of His people. 

Our own defining moment may be like Esther’s. We may not risk our lives but we may risk our social standing by standing up for the voiceless in our schools, like Esther. We may risk ridicule like Daniel by choosing to obey God’s commands for holiness. We may get strange looks from our friends in how we prioritize our faith instead of other things like Ezra. But all these choices we make every single day make up our defining moments. All these choices help reveal our true character to the world. In the long timeline of our lives, what we risk in our defining moments is nothing compared to the good we can do in this world for God’s kingdom. So, how will you face the defining moments you face in your middle and high school careers? My prayer is that you boldly stand upon God’s word like Esther, Ezra, and Daniel when your moment comes.

Reflection Questions:

-Pray for boldness and wisdom as you read Esther’s story.

-What are opportunities you have in your school to stand up and be a voice for the voiceless like Esther?