Embracing Hope: Courage and Influence in Faith

Devotional

Day 1: God Works Behind the Scenes Even When We Can't See Him

Even when God seems silent or absent, He is actively working in the background of our lives, orchestrating events for our good and His purposes. Like in the Book of Esther, where God's name is never mentioned, yet His providence is evident in every twist and turn, we are reminded that our circumstances are never left to chance or coincidence. Whether we are in seasons of suffering, waiting, or breakthrough, we can trust that God is present and moving, even when we cannot perceive Him. [03:50]

Esther 5:1 (ESV)
"On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king's palace, in front of the king's quarters, while the king was sitting on his royal throne inside the throne room opposite the entrance to the palace."

Reflection: Where in your life do you feel God is silent or absent, and how might you look for signs of His work behind the scenes this week?

Day 2: Hope in the Waiting—Trusting God in the "Saturday" Seasons

Most of life is lived in the waiting, between the pain of Good Friday and the joy of Resurrection Sunday. These "Saturday" seasons are filled with uncertainty, longing, and questions about when God will act. Yet, even in the silence and the not-yet, we are called to be people of hope—trusting that God's timing is perfect and that His promises will be fulfilled. Our hope is not wishful thinking, but a confident expectation rooted in God's faithfulness, even when we can't see the outcome. [09:24]

Romans 8:24-25 (ESV)
"For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are waiting for God to move, and how can you practice hope and patience in that waiting today?

Day 3: Boldness and Access—We Can Approach God with Confidence

Because of what Jesus has done, we have direct access to the throne room of God at any time, without fear or hesitation. Like Esther, who risked her life to approach the king, we are invited to come boldly before God—not because of our own merit, but because of Christ's sacrifice. We don't need an appointment, a mediator, or to earn our way in; we are welcomed as beloved children, able to bring our deepest needs and boldest prayers before our Heavenly Father. [16:11]

Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)
"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Reflection: What bold or impossible prayer do you need to bring before God today, trusting in your access to His throne of grace?

Day 4: Leverage Your Power and Influence to Serve Others

Every person has some measure of power, influence, or resources, whether great or small. The true test is how we use what we've been given: for our own benefit, or for the good of others. Jesus, knowing He had all power, chose to serve by washing His disciples' feet, setting a pattern for us to follow. Like Esther, we are called to use our influence sacrificially, leveraging our time, resources, and opportunities to bless and uplift those around us, even when it comes at a cost. [24:38]

John 13:3-5 (ESV)
"Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him."

Reflection: Who is one person you can serve or encourage today by using your influence, resources, or time for their benefit?

Day 5: Do for One What You Wish You Could Do for Everyone

While we may not be able to solve every problem or meet every need, we are called to make a difference where we can. The enemy often discourages us from acting because we can't do it all, but God calls us to do for one what we wish we could do for everyone. Whether it's helping a single mom, a veteran, or someone in need, our small acts of faithfulness can have a profound impact. Don't let the size of the world's needs paralyze you—step out and make a difference in one person's world today. [31:34]

Matthew 25:40 (ESV)
"And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’"

Reflection: What is one specific act of kindness or service you can do for someone this week, even if you can't help everyone?

Sermon Summary

Hope is the heartbeat of our faith. In every season—whether we are grieving, waiting, or celebrating—we are called to be people of hope. Life often feels like a journey through three days: the pain and suffering of day one, the uncertainty and waiting of day two, and the promise of redemption on day three. Many of us find ourselves stuck in the “Saturday” of waiting, longing for God to move, to heal, or to restore. Yet, even when God seems silent, He is always working behind the scenes, orchestrating events for our good and His glory, just as He did in the story of Esther.

Esther’s courage is a powerful example for us. She stepped into the unknown, risking everything for the sake of her people, not knowing how the story would end. Her boldness was not the absence of fear, but the willingness to move forward despite it. She teaches us that favor and influence are gifts from God, not achievements we earn. When we find ourselves in positions of influence—whether in our families, workplaces, or communities—we are called to use that influence for the benefit of others, not for our own gain.

The story of Esther also points us to Jesus, the true and better deliverer. While Esther risked her life, Jesus gave His life for the salvation of the world. He redefined power, not by using it for Himself, but by laying it down in service to others. The call for us is clear: follow His example. Use whatever resources, time, or influence we have to serve and lift up those around us. Even if we can’t change the whole world, we can make a difference in one person’s life. Do for one what you wish you could do for everyone.

No matter where you find yourself—whether in the pain of day one, the waiting of day two, or the hope of day three—God is present and at work. Trust Him with your story, leverage your influence for others, and hold onto hope. Day three is coming.

Key Takeaways

1. Hope is not wishful thinking but a posture of trust in God’s unseen work. Even in seasons of silence or waiting, God is active behind the scenes, weaving together circumstances for our good. Our hope is anchored not in what we see, but in the character and faithfulness of God. [03:50]
2. The journey of faith often involves moving through suffering (day one), waiting (day two), and redemption (day three). Most of life is lived in the tension of waiting, where God’s timing and answers are not yet clear. Recognizing this helps us cultivate patience and perseverance, knowing that resurrection and restoration are promised, even if not yet visible. [09:24]
3. True courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to act in faith despite fear. Esther’s story reminds us that God often calls us to step forward when the outcome is uncertain, trusting Him with the results. Our boldness is rooted in the assurance that God can bring life out of what seems dead. [11:37]
4. Favor and influence are gifts from God, not badges of personal achievement. When we experience success, opportunity, or influence, it is a stewardship entrusted to us for the sake of others. The call is to use our power not for self-preservation or advancement, but to serve and advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. [14:35]
5. Jesus redefines power by laying it down in service and sacrificial love. The greatest act of power is not domination, but humility—washing the feet of those who may betray or deny us. We are called to follow His pattern: to leverage our resources, time, and influence for the flourishing of others, even if it means sacrifice or going unnoticed. [24:38]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:13] - Living as People of Hope
[02:02] - Introduction to Esther and Context
[03:22] - Esther’s Risk and the Power of Three
[06:58] - The Three Days: Suffering, Waiting, Redemption
[08:51] - The Waiting of Saturday
[10:26] - The Promise of Day Three
[11:25] - Esther’s Courage and Uncertainty
[13:51] - Finding Favor and Access to God
[16:56] - Jesus’ Question: What Do You Want Me to Do?
[18:02] - Esther’s Feasts and God’s Providence
[21:30] - Recognizing and Using Influence
[22:44] - The Abuse and Stewardship of Power
[24:38] - Jesus’ Example: Power in Service
[28:37] - Esther’s Plea and the Power of Words
[30:37] - Jesus, the True and Better Esther
[31:47] - Do for One What You Wish You Could Do for Everyone
[32:33] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
[33:46] - Next Steps and Farewell

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Esther 5-7 (ESV) — Key focus: Esther’s courage, God’s unseen work, and the journey from suffering to redemption.

John 13:3-5 (ESV) — Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

Mark 10:51-52 (ESV) — And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.

Observation Questions

In Esther 5:1, what does Esther do after three days of fasting, and why is this significant in the story? ([03:22])
According to the sermon, what are the “three days” that life often feels like, and what does each day represent? ([06:58])
How does the king respond when Esther approaches him, and what does this reveal about favor and access? ([13:51])
In John 13, what does Jesus do when he realizes he has all power and authority? How does this action contrast with worldly uses of power? ([24:38])

Interpretation Questions

The sermon describes most of life as being lived in the “Saturday” of waiting. Why is it important to recognize this, and how does it shape our understanding of hope? ([09:24])
Esther’s courage is described as moving forward despite fear. What does this teach about the nature of true courage and faith? ([11:37])
The sermon says favor and influence are gifts from God, not achievements. How does this perspective change the way someone might view their own success or opportunities? ([14:35])
Jesus redefines power by serving others, even those who would betray him. What does this say about the kind of leadership and influence Christians are called to have? ([24:38])

Application Questions

The sermon asks, “Where are you today? Are you on the Friday (suffering), Saturday (waiting), or Sunday (redemption)?” Which “day” do you feel you are in right now, and how does that affect your outlook on hope and faith? ([10:17])
When have you experienced a season where God seemed silent or absent? Looking back, can you see ways God was working behind the scenes? How does this shape your trust in him now? ([09:24])
Esther risked everything for her people, not knowing the outcome. Is there an area in your life where you feel called to step out in faith, even though you’re afraid? What would it look like to move forward anyway? ([11:37])
The sermon challenges us to use our influence and resources for others, not just ourselves. What is one specific way you could leverage your time, resources, or influence this week to serve someone else? ([27:47])
Jesus washed the feet of those who would betray and deny him. Is there someone in your life who is difficult to serve or love? What is one practical step you could take to serve them this week? ([24:38])
The idea “Do for one what you wish you could do for everyone” was emphasized. Who is one person God is putting on your heart to help or encourage? What is a tangible action you can take for them? ([31:34])
The sermon reminds us that hope is not wishful thinking but trust in God’s character. What is one area where you need to shift from wishful thinking to active hope and trust? How can the group pray for you in this? ([03:50])

Sermon Clips

Day two doesn't get enough attention. Day two is probably where most of us are in the room today. We're in the waiting. Suffering happened. Brokenness happened. And now we're waiting. Listen, Good Friday gets a lot of attention, and Resurrection Sunday gets a lot of attention, as it should, right? But what about Saturday? Saturday's the waiting. God, when are you going to. God, how much longer? God, when are you going to speak into this? It's the transition most of us might say here today. We're not where we were and we're not where we want to be. God, when are you going to heal? When are you going to answer my prayer and listen? Let me just encourage you. If God has been silent to you, his silence does not mean that he is inactive. Just because you can't see him doesn't mean he's not working behind the scenes. [00:08:41] (54 seconds) #HopeInTheWaiting

Day three are days filled, filled with hope. Day three is redemption. Day three is resurrection. It's a good thing I'm saying these words so you know what I'm writing. Day three is coming. Day three is coming. I can't tell you when it's going to come. I can't tell you when you're gonna be healed. But James 5 says, you will be healed. If you are suffering physically, you will find healing. It may be on this side, it may be on the other side, but you will find healing. I can't tell you when, but as people, as followers of Jesus, that's the hope that we have, that he's gonna make all things new. There's going to be a day where there's no tears. I can't even imagine a day like that. There's gonna be no cancer. There's gonna be no death. It's gonna be good. That day's coming. It's not today. It's not today. So we're living on day one, late day two. But day three, my friend is coming. And the same power that rose Jesus from the dead can move in you. It can find you and can redeem you wherever you find yourself today. [00:12:05] (76 seconds) #LivingBoldlyInExile

God can provide you hope because we relate to Esther. We're in exile. This is not our home. And yet God's calling us to live with boldness and to live with conviction in a world that is not our home. [00:13:28] (18 seconds) #FavorIsGodsGift

We read the Old Testament in light of the New Testament. Don't ever read the Old Testament and keep Jesus out of it. We always read the Old Testament in light of what we know, how the story ends. So we read this text knowing that you and I find favor with God, not because of how good we are, how bad we are, the choices or regrets that we've made in your life. We find favor because of what Jesus has done. That's why we remembered communion today, because of what Jesus did. You and I can enter the throne room of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords at any time. You do not need an appointment. There isn't a special number. You don't need to call ahead. You don't get on a waiting list, and you don't have to talk to an AI robot. Amen. Immediately you have access to the throne room of God. Middle of the night, middle of the day, while you're driving, while you're in a meeting, or while you're alone, you can go to the throne room. You have direct access. You don't even have to go to a pastor or a priest. You can go directly, skip the middleman, go directly to God himself. That is good news, my friends, wherever you find yourself. [00:15:27] (74 seconds) #PrayBoldPrayers

When someone has power, they have two choices. They can leverage it for their own gain or they can leverage it for the benefit of other people. So what does Jesus do? There's some questions. What's the most powerful miracle Jesus ever performed in his three years? Now we can go through. Well, he rose Lazarus from the dead. He fed 5,000 people twice. He made a blind man see. He made a lame man walk. Right. And the list goes on and on and on and on. But may I propose that one of the most powerful things that Jesus did is rejecting power given to him. [00:23:18] (36 seconds) #ServeWithYourTimeAndInfluence

That is significant love. That is great love. And that is the same love that he has for each of you. He washed his feet. What does Jesus do when he recognizes he's the most powerful person in the room? He. He doesn't use it for his own benefit. He uses it to serve everybody else in the room. [00:25:04] (21 seconds) #LeverageInfluenceForAll

Esther has power. Esther has influence. So she's. She could have. She could have gone to the king and said, hey, King, can I make a deal with you? I'm good if you wipe out all the Jews, but not me, right? She could have leveraged her Influence for her own benefit. I said, I get it, but can I still be the queen? But no, she leveraged her influence for everyone. If I perish, I perish. [00:27:43] (31 seconds) #JesusTheTrueEsther

So you have power and influence. What do you do when you recognize you have power and influence? You leverage your power and your influence for the betterment of the other people around you. And I'd leave you with this. Do for one what you wish you could do for everyone. God has given you a heart. God's given you passions for things. You know what they are. When you hear of a need, it rises up in you. Tears might swell in your eyes. With your heart, you're like, I want to do something about that. But the enemy quickly says, because you can't solve the problem for the whole world, you do nothing. And I'm gonna say, do for one what you wish you could do for everyone. [00:30:45] (38 seconds) #KingdomImpactStartsNow

You can make a difference in one person's world. You can't change the whole world. Do it for one person. Because I don't think most of us are gonna stand in front of an earthly king and beg on behalf of one ethnic group. I just don't. Maybe. But I think for more of us, it's tomorrow. We have some time, we have some resources. How are we gonna leverage those to bring the kingdom of God to Earth? What's that gonna look like in your world? Be honest with yourself, Be honest with God and then respond accordingly. Leverage your power to serve the others in the room and do for one what you wish you could do for everyone. [00:31:31] (38 seconds)

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