In the story of Esther, we see a powerful example of what it means to be called to speak up in a time of crisis. Esther found herself in a place of comfort and privilege, yet was faced with a decision that would require her to risk everything for the sake of her people. The world around us is filled with voices—some loud, some angry, some seeking to silence the truth. But God’s people are called to stand up and speak, not just for themselves, but for the sake of God’s praise and His purposes in the world.
There is a real and ongoing assault against the family, the church, and the very fabric of our spiritual lives. This attack comes from two directions: the enemy outside, who seeks to destroy, and the enemy within—our own thoughts, emotions, and sin nature. We must be vigilant, recognizing that the battle is not just external but also internal. The story of Esther reminds us that God often calls us out of our comfort zones. It’s easy to settle into routines, to become lukewarm, but God desires a people who are willing to step out in faith, even when it’s uncomfortable or risky.
Mordecai’s challenge to Esther—“Who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”—is a challenge to each of us. We are not here by accident. God has placed us in this moment, in this culture, to be a witness, to hold to the truth, and to speak when it matters most. This means refusing to compromise, even when the world pressures us to conform or remain silent. It means loving people deeply, but also loving them enough to tell the truth, even when it’s unpopular.
We are all called to speak to the King. Like Esther, we may feel unworthy or afraid, but God invites us to come boldly, to bring our needs, our confessions, and our faith before Him. Sometimes this requires fasting, prayer, and a willingness to let God deal with the things in our hearts that need to change. God stands at the door and knocks, longing for fellowship with us. The question is: what are we doing right now that requires faith? Are we willing to take out the “trash” in our lives, to repent, to make amends, and to trust God for transformation? Without faith, it is impossible to please Him. Today is the day to step out, to speak up, and to approach the King.
Key Takeaways
- 1. The Battle Is Both External and Internal There is a real enemy who seeks to destroy God’s people, but just as dangerous is the enemy within—our own thoughts, emotions, and sin nature. We must be aware that self-destruction often begins in the mind, and the fight for spiritual health is as much about surrendering our inner struggles to God as it is about resisting outside pressures. True victory comes when we recognize both fronts and rely on God’s strength to overcome. [14:41]
- 2. Comfort Is the Enemy of Calling God does not call us to a life of comfort or apathy. Esther was challenged to leave her place of safety and risk everything for her people. In the same way, we are called to step out of our routines and comfort zones, embracing the discomfort that comes with obedience and faithfulness. The Christian life is not about ease, but about courage and conviction in the face of risk. [16:47]
- 3. Refusing Lukewarm Faith The church at Laodicea was rebuked for being neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm. God desires a people who are passionate, uncompromising, and fully committed to His truth. Lukewarmness makes God “sick,” and we must examine our own lives for areas where we have settled for partial obedience or diluted convictions. Holiness and wholeheartedness are the marks of a people who please God. [25:16]
- 4. Speaking to the King Requires Faith and Honesty Esther’s willingness to approach the king, even at great personal risk, is a picture of the boldness God calls us to in prayer and confession. We are invited to bring our deepest needs, fears, and failures before God, trusting that He loves us and desires fellowship. Sometimes this means fasting, repenting, and allowing God to deal with the hidden things in our hearts. [34:33]
- 5. Faith Is Proven in Action and Repentance It is not enough to believe in God intellectually; faith is demonstrated when we act—when we repent, make amends, and live differently. God is knocking on the door of our hearts, calling us to take out the “trash” and trust Him for transformation. Every act of faith, no matter how small, is pleasing to God and moves us closer to the life He intends for us. [42:53]
Youtube Chapters
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:10] - Introduction: Called to Speak
- [03:05] - Esther’s Story and the Role of Mothers
- [06:30] - The Call for Destruction Against God’s People
- [10:45] - The Enemy Outside and the Enemy Within
- [14:41] - Lessons from Family and Discipline
- [16:47] - Called Outside Our Comfort
- [18:10] - Esther’s Dilemma and Mordecai’s Challenge
- [19:38] - Standing for Truth in a Compromised Culture
- [22:13] - The Danger of Lukewarm Faith
- [23:49] - Lessons from Laodicea and Spiritual Water
- [25:16] - Personal Holiness and Accountability
- [29:59] - The Use of Time and Witnessing
- [31:15] - Old-Fashioned Convictions and Godly Decisions
- [33:03] - Called to Speak to the King
- [34:33] - Fasting, Prayer, and Approaching God
- [36:08] - God’s Forgiveness and the Battle of the Mind
- [37:40] - Living by Faith and Taking Action
- [40:13] - Testimony: Transformation and Repentance
- [42:53] - Invitation and Response