“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.”
– Esther 4:16
The king dismissed his former queen—he’s this unpredictable, larger-than-life emperor—and now he’s chosen this probably 17- or 18-year-old girl to be his wife. In just a short time, she’s gone from being an orphan, living in poverty and wondering where her next meal would come from, to being the queen of the most powerful empire on earth at the time. Esther doesn’t really know her husband. She can only see him when she’s summoned. In fact, if she isn’t summoned, just showing up could result in her being stripped of everything—or even killed if the king is in a bad mood. My friend, Esther, steps outside her fears to save the Jewish people throughout her husband’s kingdom! Her story is a powerful reminder that true courage is not the absence of fear, but the decision to act in spite of it. Like Esther, when we face what seems impossible, we can choose to trust that overcoming our deepest fears can lead to freedom and hope for ourselves and others. |
Prayer
Father, give me the courage to move beyond my fears so I can fulfill the assignments You have for me in Your Kingdom.
Reflection
When have you faced what seemed impossible, but chose to trust God and step through your fears?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power online at hourofpower.org/episode.