Courageous Risks
Later when King Xerxes’ fury had subsided, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what he had decreed about her. Then the king’s personal attendants proposed, “Let a search be made for beautiful young virgins for the king.” (Esther 2:1-2)
As you read the story of Esther, you learn that after King Xerxes gets rid of his first wife Vashti, Esther enters the beauty contest and is chosen to be the king’s new wife. She has now arrived after starting at the bottom as a Jew in captivity. She is living the good life with the world at her disposal, which is why news that her husband the king is planning to exterminate her people places her in a difficult position. Should she keep quiet to preserve herself or should she speak up and potentially risk it all and possibly be put to death?
In effect, Esther’s uncle Mordecai says, I know you’re the queen and all, but don’t let your position go to your head. Don’t think that your position as queen will exempt you from attack, and don’t let your proximity to power cause you to forget who you are and where you come from.
We would be wise to take the same advice. Let’s not forget where we’ve come from, and let’s not disregard where God has placed us now. The whole of your life was preparing you for this moment. God has appointed you for such a time as this. Every struggle, every trial, all the ups and downs were positioning you and equipping you to take a stand to accomplish God’s work in the world. So don’t waste the opportunities you’ve been given to make an impact because you’re scared or would rather stay silent. The Lord has more in store for you than that, so walk with Him in courage and obedience.
As you read the story of Esther, you learn that after King Xerxes gets rid of his first wife Vashti, Esther enters the beauty contest and is chosen to be the king’s new wife. She has now arrived after starting at the bottom as a Jew in captivity. She is living the good life with the world at her disposal, which is why news that her husband the king is planning to exterminate her people places her in a difficult position. Should she keep quiet to preserve herself or should she speak up and potentially risk it all and possibly be put to death?
In effect, Esther’s uncle Mordecai says, I know you’re the queen and all, but don’t let your position go to your head. Don’t think that your position as queen will exempt you from attack, and don’t let your proximity to power cause you to forget who you are and where you come from.
We would be wise to take the same advice. Let’s not forget where we’ve come from, and let’s not disregard where God has placed us now. The whole of your life was preparing you for this moment. God has appointed you for such a time as this. Every struggle, every trial, all the ups and downs were positioning you and equipping you to take a stand to accomplish God’s work in the world. So don’t waste the opportunities you’ve been given to make an impact because you’re scared or would rather stay silent. The Lord has more in store for you than that, so walk with Him in courage and obedience.
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