Embracing Courage and Purpose: Lessons from Esther
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, and welcome to Atkinson Congregational Church. Today, we reflect on the story of Esther, a tale of courage, faith, and divine purpose. Esther, a Jewish queen in the Persian Empire, finds herself in a precarious position when a decree is issued to annihilate her people. Despite her initial hesitation and fear, she rises to the occasion, risking her life to save her people. This story is not just about Esther's bravery but also about recognizing the unique roles and moments God places us in for His greater purpose.
Esther's journey is a powerful reminder that God often places us in specific situations for reasons beyond our understanding. Her story teaches us that even when we feel powerless or insignificant, we have the potential to make a significant impact. Esther's courage came from her faith and her willingness to act despite the risks. She fasted, prayed, and sought the support of her community, demonstrating that true strength comes from reliance on God and the collective faith of His people.
As we reflect on Esther's story, we are called to consider our own lives. What unique gifts and experiences do we have? What challenges are we facing that might be opportunities for us to act courageously and faithfully? Just as Esther was placed in her position "for such a time as this," we too are placed in our current circumstances for a divine purpose. Let us embrace our roles, seek God's guidance, and act with courage and faith, knowing that we are part of His greater plan.
### Key Takeaways
1. Divine Placement and Purpose: Esther's story reminds us that God places us in specific situations for a reason. We may not always understand why we are where we are, but we must trust that God has a purpose for us. Our unique experiences and gifts are meant to be used for His glory and the betterment of others. [36:37]
2. Courage in the Face of Fear: Esther's bravery in approaching the king, despite the risk of death, teaches us the importance of acting courageously. True courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to act despite it. When we rely on God, we can find the strength to face our fears and take bold steps of faith. [35:59]
3. Community and Support: Esther did not act alone; she called on her community to fast and pray with her. This highlights the importance of seeking support and relying on the collective faith of our community. Together, we can achieve great things and support each other in fulfilling God's purposes. [36:37]
4. Preparation and Timing: Esther's story shows the importance of preparation and timing. She spent time fasting, praying, and planning before taking action. This teaches us that careful preparation and waiting for the right moment are crucial in fulfilling God's plans for us. [42:51]
5. Recognizing Our Unique Role: Each of us has unique gifts, experiences, and opportunities. Like Esther, we must recognize our unique role and the specific challenges we are called to address. By embracing our God-given purpose, we can make a significant impact in our communities and the world. [38:56]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:44] - Announcements
[04:28] - Call to Worship
[07:53] - Opening Prayer
[08:57] - Unison Prayer of Confession
[12:28] - Prayer Requests and Prayers
[16:51] - Prayer for the Community
[18:04] - Prayers for Hurricane Victims
[20:13] - Offering and Introduction to Esther
[23:42] - Scripture Reading: Esther
[25:48] - Background on the Book of Esther
[27:05] - The Story of Esther
[30:44] - Esther's Dilemma and Courage
[35:21] - Mordecai's Challenge to Esther
[38:56] - Applying Esther's Story to Our Lives
[42:51] - Esther's Preparation and Action
[45:28] - Conclusion and Call to Action
[46:29] - Closing Hymn
[50:39] - Benediction and Farewell
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Story of Esther
#### Bible Reading
1. Esther 7:1-6 (NIV)
> So the king and Haman went to Queen Esther's banquet, and as they were drinking wine on the second day, the king again asked, "Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be granted." Then Queen Esther answered, "If I have found favor with you, Your Majesty, and if it pleases you, grant me my life—this is my petition. And spare my people—this is my request. For I and my people have been sold to be destroyed, killed and annihilated. If we had merely been sold as male and female slaves, I would have kept quiet, because no such distress would justify disturbing the king." King Xerxes asked Queen Esther, "Who is he? Where is he—the man who has dared to do such a thing?" Esther said, "An adversary and enemy! This vile Haman!"
2. Esther 4:14 (NIV)
> For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Queen Esther's request to King Xerxes during the banquet? ([23:42])
2. How did King Xerxes react when he learned about the plot against the Jews? ([24:19])
3. What did Mordecai suggest might be the reason Esther became queen? ([35:21])
4. How did Esther prepare herself before approaching the king with her request? ([36:37])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Esther's willingness to risk her life for her people tell us about her character and faith? ([35:59])
2. How does the story of Esther illustrate the concept of divine placement and purpose? ([38:56])
3. In what ways did Esther rely on her community for support, and why is this significant? ([36:37])
4. How does the timing and preparation in Esther's actions reflect on the importance of waiting for the right moment in fulfilling God's plans? ([42:51])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt placed in a specific situation for a reason beyond your understanding. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? ([38:56])
2. Esther showed great courage in the face of fear. What fears are you currently facing, and how can you rely on God to find the strength to act courageously? ([35:59])
3. Esther sought the support of her community through fasting and prayer. How can you engage your community for support in your current challenges? ([36:37])
4. Think about a situation where careful preparation and timing were crucial. How can you apply this lesson to a current challenge in your life? ([42:51])
5. Identify your unique gifts and experiences. How can you use them to address a specific challenge or need in your community? ([38:56])
6. Mordecai's challenge to Esther was a pivotal moment. Have you ever experienced a similar challenge that pushed you to act? How did it change you? ([35:21])
7. Esther embraced her role despite the risks. What role or responsibility are you hesitant to embrace, and how can you seek God's guidance to move forward? ([36:37])
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the story of Esther, reflecting on its lessons and applying them to your own lives. May your discussions be fruitful and inspiring.
Devotional
Day 1: Divine Placement and Purpose
Description: Esther's story is a powerful reminder that God places us in specific situations for a reason. Even when we do not understand why we are where we are, we must trust that God has a purpose for us. Our unique experiences and gifts are meant to be used for His glory and the betterment of others. Esther's rise to the occasion, despite her initial hesitation and fear, exemplifies how God can use us in extraordinary ways when we are willing to step into the roles He has prepared for us. [36:37]
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 unique gifts and experiences do you have that God might be calling you to use in your current situation? How can you trust in His divine purpose for your life today?
Day 2: Courage in the Face of Fear
Description: Esther's bravery in approaching the king, despite the risk of death, teaches us the importance of acting courageously. True courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to act despite it. Esther's courage came from her faith and her reliance on God. When we rely on God, we can find the strength to face our fears and take bold steps of faith. Her story encourages us to act with courage, knowing that God is with us in our moments of fear and uncertainty. [35:59]
Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Reflection: What is one fear that is holding you back from taking a bold step of faith? How can you rely on God to find the courage to face this fear today?
Day 3: Community and Support
Description: Esther did not act alone; she called on her community to fast and pray with her. This highlights the importance of seeking support and relying on the collective faith of our community. Together, we can achieve great things and support each other in fulfilling God's purposes. Esther's story shows that true strength comes from reliance on God and the support of a faith community. By seeking the prayers and support of others, we can find the strength to face our challenges and fulfill our God-given purposes. [36:37]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: Who in your community can you reach out to for support and prayer today? How can you also be a source of support for someone else in your faith community?
Day 4: Preparation and Timing
Description: Esther's story shows the importance of preparation and timing. She spent time fasting, praying, and planning before taking action. This teaches us that careful preparation and waiting for the right moment are crucial in fulfilling God's plans for us. Esther's deliberate actions remind us that we must seek God's guidance and be patient as we prepare for the tasks He has set before us. By aligning our actions with God's timing, we can be more effective in fulfilling His purposes. [42:51]
Proverbs 16:9 (ESV): "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to prepare for a challenge or opportunity you are facing? How can you seek God's guidance to ensure you are acting in His timing?
Day 5: Recognizing Our Unique Role
Description: Each of us has unique gifts, experiences, and opportunities. Like Esther, we must recognize our unique role and the specific challenges we are called to address. By embracing our God-given purpose, we can make a significant impact in our communities and the world. Esther's story encourages us to reflect on our own lives and consider how we can use our unique abilities to serve God's greater plan. Recognizing and embracing our roles allows us to contribute meaningfully to the world around us. [38:56]
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: What unique role do you believe God has placed you in right now? How can you use your gifts and experiences to make a positive impact in your community today?
Quotes
1. "May we be the ones who go out into the world bearing your gifts of peace, of hope, of healing, of joy to everyone who is broken. Even as we have been made whole through the gift of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Touched by the healing hands of our Lord. Filled with the grace of our God. Led by the compassion of the Holy Spirit. Our hearts are opened and we discover we are forgiven and at peace with God. Those who are created to bear grace. Those who are created to praise all people. Who receive our forgiveness, giving thanks to our God." [08:57] (69 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God, we long to fulfill your expectations of us. Give us, we pray, a faith that has some depth. Keep pushing us beyond the boundaries that we build and the walls that we erect. Continue to surprise us with the width of your grace. Pique our curiosity for the many ways you are moving in the world. Ways which are not limited by the confines of what we deem acceptable. Or permissible or even possible." [16:51] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus is with us in every circumstance. Suffering with us when we are in trouble. Rejoicing with us when we are glad. The generosity of Christ calls us to lives of gratitude and generosity. Because in Christ Jesus we are given new life. So let's celebrate that life by giving generously to the work of God's redeeming love." [20:13] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Perhaps. You have come to this place. To this moment. To these people. To this challenge. For just such a time as this. I want you to think about Esther. She had some things and lacked other things. She had beauty. She had a certain kind of training. She had a very ambitious cousin. She had a very powerful husband. But she didn't have any power over her own life. She didn't have any security in the face of those who planned to kill her. And her people. And she didn't have any real personal intimacy with her husband." [38:56] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Think about the number of times you have thought there was nothing you or anyone else could do. Because the problem is just too big. And then feel. And hear this exasperating Mordecai tap on your shoulder and say, Perhaps you have been given these skills and experiences. These privileges and deprivations. So just at this very moment, You could do what no one else could do. You could be what no one else could be. God made you just as you are because he wanted someone just like you. Maybe all this happened. And you came to be here for just such a time as this." [42:04] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Esther didn't have it easy. Neither, no doubt, do you. She had some real gifts. So do you. She embarked on a long period of training and preparation. The final purpose for which most of the time she didn't really understand. And maybe that's how you feel too. She found herself with a crucial moment. Not a moment for sudden action. A moment when she realized that the rest of her life must be given to the one cause that went way above and beyond her own safety. Her own privilege. Her own status. You could call it a moment of conversion." [42:51] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Perhaps God has put you right here, right now in this place for such a time as this. Esther listened. And it's a good thing too, because without Esther there would have been no Jesus. Because there would have been no Jews. So, will we listen? Will we do what Esther did? Realize the reality of our situation, seek all the help that we need, plan carefully, prepare, and put ourselves into the hand of God? Because I wonder this, has God put us, Atkinson Congregational Church, right here, right now, for such a time as this? Has God put you right here, right now, for such a time as this?" [45:28] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Go in God's grace, step out in peace, walk in love, and trust that God is with you, and that you are in this place, at this time, just as you are supposed to be. And you will always have just the strength you need. Friends, thank you for sharing part of your Sunday with us. Please stay for a time of refreshment and fellowship, and go in peace." [50:39] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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