Day 2: Esther’s Courage
Think about a time when you knew you needed to have a hard conversation with somebody. Whether it was a college roommate, someone you were dating, your spouse, your children, your boss, or another friend, you probably dreaded the thought of sitting down and sharing something important with them.
This is the situation in which Esther finds herself, only her experience is even worse. Esther knows that the former queen has been harshly punished for not following through on the customs of their culture. And now she’s in a position in which, as the queen, she needs to go against the customs of the culture. She’s fully aware that by approaching the king, she may very well be put to death. How will she respond?
Initially, Esther responds to the situation by deciding to fast (not eat or drink) for three days, and encourages her uncle to do the same. Until now, her uncle has made many of the decisions in Esther’s life. Now, she’s taking the initiative to be the spokesperson for her people, even at the cost of her own life.
As you read today, consider this: What aspects of Esther’s story resonate with your own life experience? (Consider her family upbringing, those she interacted with, etc.)
READING:
What aspects of Esther’s story resonate with your own life experience? (Consider her family upbringing, those she worked for or served, those she interacted with, etc.)
What kinds of ambitions or hopes could Esther have had through her life experiences? In what ways does this help you to identify with the story of Esther?
F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)
Read: Deuteronomy 30 & 31
Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, today I want to thank You for those who have regularly recognized the courage You have placed within me to fulfill the life You have called me to live. Specifically, I thank You for (_______), (_______), and (_______). These individuals have regularly encouraged me to live for You, and I’m so very grateful for them. Today, I simply pray for the wisdom to know Your will, and for the courage to follow through on Your will, even when it’s hard. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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