Exploring Your GiftsSample

STUDY One of the most commonly noted facts about the book of Esther is that God’s name isn’t mentioned. Not once. Theologians point out that this is tied to the central message of the book: that although God might appear hidden, He is actually very present behind the scenes. Esther had come to the position of queen only to learn that her husband, King Ahasuerus, had been convinced through a political power grab to wipe out all of her people. Read Esther 4:14-16. Mordecai’s words to his adopted cousin in verse 14 are the turning point of the book. Mordecai hinted at the hidden sovereignty of God and took Esther to a place where she was faced with an incredible opportunity to live her passion. It’s interesting that Mordecai painted this picture for Esther in terms of an incredibly powerful two-letter proposition: “if,” making it clear to Esther that action and courage were required. Based on what we know about God, if Esther had chosen to remain silent, God would have raised up deliverance from somewhere else. What would have happened to Esther? Nothing. The only casualty would have been Esther’s loss of potential joy in participating with God in His plan for His people. THOUGHTS FOR LEADERS There are two types of leaders: those who lead by positional authority and those who lead by influence. It’s important to remember that although she was a queen, Esther’s role was not a position that included any positional authority. Since she was not able to lead by virtue of her position, Esther chose to lead by virtue of her influence. Esther is a tremendous example of courageously leading up (leading and acting above your position in life) in both what she did and how she acted. QUESTIONS Think through some defining moments in your life. Is there anything that seemed like a coincidence at the time that you now look back on and can see God at work? Mordecai’s rhetorical question (v.14b) was at least in part contingent upon Esther’s courage. Why do you think so many Christians lack the courage to live what they believe? Even though it required courage, Esther didn’t have to go far to exercise her passion. Where is the nearest possible place you can start living out the dream God has given you?