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Esther’s Vision

By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

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 the only one who could possibly change his mind. God placed her in the right place at the right time. Her cousin, Mordecai, recognized this fact: “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14b).

What was Esther’s response to Mordecai’s plea for help?

Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “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 hesitated. 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.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).