Courage Wins the Day

Esther 4: 13-17

"Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, "Do not think to yourself that in the king's palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, "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." Mordecai then went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him."

What an exciting story! Even though Esther was tucked away  in the king's harem in the palace, she was still a Jew, and therefore liable to the consequences of Haman's edict. Action must be taken, and it was up to her to do it. But before her plan was executed, she called for the backup of her people. She wanted them fasting at the same time that she was. Then she would go to the king regardless of the outcome. If he didn't extend the scepter, her life would be over, but if he did, perhaps she could save her people. Such bravery! What was its source? I am sure Mordecai raised her to have exemplary character which is evidenced in her willingness to sacrifice her life for others. Along with the sacrificial character came her courage in the face of fear. She definitely was fearful, but her courage won the day. Esther did not just live by her beauty. She didn't try and beguile or manipulate the king, instead she relied on her character, by what she knew was right.

Father,
Help me to obey You and do what is right  no matter what the circumstances. Give me this courage that stands for right even when the stakes are high.
In Jesus name,
Amen