Courage to Embrace Our God-Given Calling

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we delve into the story of Esther, a Jewish queen in the Persian Empire, who faced a monumental decision that could cost her life. Her cousin, Mordecai, informed her of a decree that threatened the annihilation of her people. Despite the grave risk, Esther chose to approach the king without being summoned, a decision punishable by death. Her courage and faith in God's purpose for her life led her to declare, "If I die, I die." This narrative is a powerful reminder of the courage required to step into the roles God has prepared for us, even when fear looms large.

This theme of courage in the face of fear is echoed in the story of Amanda Gorman, a young poet who overcame personal challenges to deliver a stirring poem at the presidential inauguration. Her journey, much like Esther's, was marked by resistance to fear and a commitment to her calling. Similarly, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor during Nazi Germany, chose to return to his homeland to stand against injustice, despite the personal cost. His life and writings continue to inspire us to act boldly in faith.

These stories teach us that fear often accompanies our greatest purposes. When God calls us to step into new roles or challenges, fear will try to paralyze us with doubts and insecurities. Yet, God does not call us to comfort but to courage. We are reminded that God is already preparing the way for us, equipping us for the tasks ahead. Whether we are called to speak out for justice, step into leadership, or engage in difficult conversations, we must remember that God is with us, urging us to act with faith and boldness.

Key Takeaways:

- Courage in Calling: Esther's story teaches us that stepping into our God-given roles often requires immense courage. Despite the fear of the unknown, we are called to trust in God's purpose for our lives and act with faith, knowing that He is with us. [03:27]

- Overcoming Fear: Amanda Gorman's journey illustrates that fear often accompanies our greatest opportunities. By resisting fear and embracing our calling, we can impact others profoundly, just as she did with her powerful words. [06:41]

- Faith in Action: Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life exemplifies that faith is not just belief but bold action. Standing up against injustice and fear requires us to trust that obedience to God is worth the cost, even when the outcome is uncertain. [09:48]

- God's Preparation: We may not know what awaits us in our calling, but God is already preparing the way. He equips us with the strength and resources needed to fulfill our purpose, urging us to step forward with confidence. [11:42]

- Embracing the Moment: Each of us has a "for such a time as this" moment. We are encouraged not to wait until we feel ready but to act now, allowing our faith to be louder than our fear, trusting that God goes ahead of us. [12:31]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:21] - Introduction to Esther
- [02:03] - Mordecai's Plea
- [03:09] - Esther's Decision
- [04:11] - Personal Reflection
- [05:02] - Conference Inspiration
- [05:34] - Amanda Gorman's Story
- [07:16] - Esther's Courage
- [08:19] - Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Stand
- [09:48] - Faith and Bold Action
- [10:26] - Fear and Purpose
- [11:42] - God's Preparation
- [12:00] - Call to Action
- [12:31] - Embracing Your Moment
- [12:45] - Closing Encouragement

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Courage in Calling

Bible Reading:
- Esther 4:12-16

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Observation Questions:

1. What was the decree that Mordecai informed Esther about, and how did it threaten her people? [02:03]
2. How did Esther initially respond to Mordecai's request to approach the king, and what was the risk involved? [02:35]
3. What specific action did Esther decide to take after Mordecai's message, and what was her reasoning? [03:48]
4. How does the story of Amanda Gorman relate to Esther's story in terms of overcoming fear? [06:41]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does Esther's statement, "If I die, I die," reveal about her understanding of her role and purpose? [03:48]
2. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of "for such a time as this" in both Esther's and Amanda Gorman's stories? [05:02]
3. In what ways does Dietrich Bonhoeffer's decision to return to Germany during Nazi rule reflect the theme of faith in action? [09:48]
4. How does the sermon suggest that God prepares us for the roles and challenges we face? [11:42]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you faced a decision that required courage. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [03:48]
2. Consider the fears that often accompany your greatest opportunities. How can you resist these fears and embrace your calling like Amanda Gorman did? [06:41]
3. What are some practical steps you can take to stand up against injustice in your community, inspired by Dietrich Bonhoeffer's example? [09:48]
4. Identify a situation in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith. What fears are holding you back, and how can you overcome them? [10:26]
5. How can you prepare yourself spiritually and mentally for the "for such a time as this" moments in your life? [12:31]
6. Think of a difficult conversation or leadership role you are being called to. What resources or support do you need to step into this role with confidence? [12:00]
7. How can you remind yourself daily that God is with you, equipping you for the tasks ahead? What specific practices can help reinforce this belief? [11:42]

Devotional

Day 1: Courage to Fulfill God's Purpose
In the story of Esther, we see a profound example of courage in the face of fear. Esther, a Jewish queen in the Persian Empire, was faced with a life-threatening decision when her cousin Mordecai informed her of a decree that endangered her people. Despite the risk of death, Esther chose to approach the king without being summoned, declaring, "If I die, I die." Her courage was rooted in her faith in God's purpose for her life, reminding us that stepping into our God-given roles often requires immense bravery. We are called to trust in God's plan and act with faith, knowing that He is with us. [03:27]

Esther 4:14 (ESV): "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?"

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith, despite your fears? How can you take a step towards that calling today?


Day 2: Embracing Opportunities Despite Fear
Amanda Gorman's journey illustrates that fear often accompanies our greatest opportunities. As a young poet, she overcame personal challenges to deliver a stirring poem at the presidential inauguration. Her story, much like Esther's, is marked by resistance to fear and a commitment to her calling. By embracing her purpose, she impacted others profoundly with her powerful words. This teaches us that by resisting fear and embracing our calling, we can make a significant difference in the world around us. [06:41]

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Reflection: Think of a recent opportunity you hesitated to pursue due to fear. How can you approach similar opportunities in the future with courage and trust in God's presence?


Day 3: Faith as Bold Action
Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life exemplifies that faith is not just belief but bold action. During Nazi Germany, he chose to return to his homeland to stand against injustice, despite the personal cost. His life and writings continue to inspire us to act boldly in faith. Standing up against injustice and fear requires us to trust that obedience to God is worth the cost, even when the outcome is uncertain. This challenges us to live out our faith through courageous actions that reflect our trust in God. [09:48]

James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."

Reflection: Identify a situation where you can put your faith into action this week. What steps can you take to demonstrate your trust in God through your actions?


Day 4: Trusting in God's Preparation
We may not know what awaits us in our calling, but God is already preparing the way. He equips us with the strength and resources needed to fulfill our purpose, urging us to step forward with confidence. This assurance allows us to face challenges with the knowledge that God is with us, guiding and equipping us for the tasks ahead. We are reminded that God does not call us to comfort but to courage, and He is faithful to prepare us for what He has called us to do. [11:42]

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt unprepared for a task but later realized God had equipped you. How can this experience encourage you to trust in God's preparation for your current challenges?


Day 5: Acting in the Present Moment
Each of us has a "for such a time as this" moment. We are encouraged not to wait until we feel ready but to act now, allowing our faith to be louder than our fear, trusting that God goes ahead of us. Embracing the moment means recognizing the opportunities God places before us and stepping into them with confidence, knowing that He is with us. This calls us to live with a sense of urgency and purpose, trusting that God is orchestrating our steps for His glory. [12:31]

2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."

Reflection: What is one opportunity or challenge you are currently facing that requires immediate action? How can you rely on God's strength to move forward with confidence today?

Quotes


"Don't think that just because you live in the king's house you're the one Jew who will get out of this alive. If you persist in staying silent at this time, help and deliverance will arrive for the Jews from somewhere else, but you and your family will be wiped out. Who knows, maybe you were made queen for just such a time as this." [00:03:07]

"Go and let all the Jews living in Susha together get them all together, fast for me. Don't eat or drink for three days, neither day nor night, and I and my maids will fast with you. If you will do this, I will go to the king even though it is forbidden, and if I die, I die." [00:03:32]

"Fear whispered, 'You're not ready, you're not good enough, what if you fail?' But she resisted that fear and she stepped into that moment, and in doing so, she didn't just recite a poem, she stirred something deep in the hearts of millions of us." [00:06:41]

"Esther didn't know how the king would respond, Amanda Gorman didn't know how she would be received with her words, Bonhoeffer didn't know if his words would make a difference. And us, we may not know what waits on the other side of our calling either, but here's what I know is that God does." [00:11:18]

"God is already waiting in that moment for us. God is already preparing our hearts. God is already clearing paths that we don't know are being cleared, and God is equipping each of us. So maybe, maybe you're being called to speak out for justice or maybe you're being called to step into leadership." [00:11:47]

"Whatever it is, hear this: this is your 'for such a time as this' moment. So don't wait, don't wait till you feel ready, don't let fear be louder than your faith, and step up, step in, show up, speak up, because God already goes ahead of you." [00:12:00]

"Bonhoeffer's story reminds us that faith is not about belief, it's not just about belief, it's about bold action. It's about standing up in the face of fear, it's about standing up in the face of injustice, it's about trusting that obedience to God is worth the cost." [00:09:57]

"Here's the truth: fear always shows up when purpose knocks. For all of us, when our purpose comes knocking on the door, when it challenges us to step up and step out and to be something that we're not sure that we are, fear shows up." [00:10:19]

"Fear speaks to us and says maybe we're not enough. Fear calls out to us and tells us that maybe we shouldn't, maybe we should stay safe. The more meaningful the moment, the harder and the louder that fear speaks and calls to us." [00:10:35]

"It tries to paralyze us with the ifs and lies and why messes, but God has not called us into comfort, God has called us into courage." [00:11:08]

"Many of you know that I am a large fan of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who was a German pastor and theologian in the dark days of Nazi Germany. As Hitler was rising to power and many Christians remained silent or even agreed with Hitler, Bonhoeffer could not." [00:08:19]

"He was living in New York, he was teaching at Union Theological Seminary in New York, and he could have stayed here, he could have stayed in the United States, but he didn't. He went back to his country and he spoke out, he spoke out against the regime, he spoke out defending Jewish people." [00:08:42]

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Transcript
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