Esther: Courage, Providence, and the Power of Faith

Devotional

Day 1: God Works Behind the Scenes Even When Unseen

Even when God seems silent or absent, He is actively working in the background of our lives, orchestrating events for His purposes and our good. The Book of Esther never mentions God by name, yet His providence is evident in every twist and turn of the story, reminding us that our circumstances are never outside of His care or control. Whether we are aware of it or not, God is present in our suffering, our waiting, and our deliverance, inviting us to trust Him even when we cannot see His hand. [40:24]

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: The Power of Waiting—Hope in the “Saturday”

Most of life is lived in the “Saturday”—the waiting between suffering and resurrection—where God’s silence does not mean His inactivity, and hope is found in trusting His timing. Like Esther and the disciples between Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, we often find ourselves in seasons of uncertainty, longing for God to move. Yet, it is in these times of waiting that our faith is refined, and we are called to grieve, pray, and hope with expectation, knowing that God is preparing something new even when we cannot see it. [46:06]

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 act, and how can you practice hope and patience in that waiting today?

Day 3: Boldness and Access—Finding Favor Through Christ

We have direct access to God’s throne, not because of our own merit, but because of what Jesus has done for us; like Esther before the king, we can approach God boldly, knowing we have His favor. Esther risked her life to enter the king’s presence, but through Christ, we are invited to come before God at any time, with any need, trusting that He hears us and welcomes us as His beloved children. This access is a gift of grace, and we are encouraged to bring our deepest needs and boldest prayers before Him. [52:34]

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 can you bring before God today, trusting in your access to Him through Jesus?

Day 4: Leverage Your Power and Influence to Serve Others

True power is not used for self-gain but is leveraged for the benefit of others, following the example of Jesus who, knowing His authority, chose to serve and love sacrificially. Whether you feel you have much or little, you have influence—your time, resources, and relationships can be used to lift others up, just as Esther risked her position for her people and Jesus washed His disciples’ feet. The call is to recognize your influence and use it intentionally for the good of those around you, embodying Christ’s servant-hearted love. [01:01:42]

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 this week by using your time, resources, or influence for their benefit rather than your own?

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

When faced with overwhelming needs, don’t let the inability to help everyone keep you from helping someone—make a difference in one person’s world with the resources and passion God has given you. Esther could not save every Jew by herself, but she acted boldly for her people; likewise, you are called to respond to the needs that stir your heart, trusting that small acts of faithfulness can have a ripple effect for God’s kingdom. Don’t be paralyzed by the size of the world’s problems—do for one what you wish you could do for all. [01:08:02]

Galatians 6:9-10 (ESV)
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Reflection: What is one specific need or person God has placed on your heart, and what step can you take today to make a difference for them?

Sermon Summary

The story of Esther offers a profound look at how God works behind the scenes, even when His name isn’t mentioned. Esther’s journey, from orphan to queen, unfolds in a world where God’s presence seems hidden, yet His providence is unmistakable. The narrative centers on three pivotal days, which mirror the rhythm of suffering, waiting, and redemption that we all experience. Day one is marked by pain and brokenness—those moments in life when everything seems lost. Day two is the long, silent Saturday, the waiting period when God seems absent and hope feels distant. But day three always comes: the day of resurrection, restoration, and hope.

Esther’s courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to move forward despite it. She steps into the throne room, risking her life not just for herself, but for her people. Her story reminds us that we often don’t know the outcome when we act in faith, but we are called to trust God with the results. The favor Esther receives from the king is a picture of the favor we have with God—not because of our own merit, but because of what Jesus has done for us. Through Christ, we have direct access to the throne room of God at any moment, without appointment or intermediary.

The story also challenges us to consider how we use the power and influence entrusted to us. Esther could have used her position for her own safety, but she leveraged it for the good of others. Jesus, the ultimate example, used His power not for self-advancement, but to serve and love—even washing the feet of those who would betray Him. We are called to follow this pattern: to use our resources, time, and influence for the benefit of others, not just ourselves.

Finally, the call is to do for one what we wish we could do for everyone. We may not be able to change the whole world, but we can make a difference in one person’s life. God invites us to respond to the needs that stir our hearts, trusting that even small acts of faithfulness can have eternal impact. Whether we are in a season of suffering, waiting, or resurrection, we are invited to hope, to act with courage, and to serve others as Christ has served us.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Hidden Hand in Our Waiting Even when God seems silent or absent, He is always at work behind the scenes. The Book of Esther never mentions God by name, yet His providence orchestrates every detail. In our own seasons of waiting—our “day two”—God’s silence is not His absence. Trust that He is moving, even when you cannot see it. [46:06]
2. The Rhythm of Suffering, Waiting, and Resurrection Life often follows the pattern of Good Friday, Silent Saturday, and Resurrection Sunday. We all experience days of pain, seasons of waiting, and moments of breakthrough. Recognizing which “day” we are in helps us to be honest with God and ourselves, and to hold onto hope that day three—resurrection and restoration—is coming. [47:12]
3. Courage is Moving Forward in Fear True courage is not the absence of fear, but the decision to act in faith despite uncertainty. Esther did not know the outcome when she approached the king, but she moved forward anyway. God calls us to take bold steps, trusting Him with the results, even when the risks are great and the future is unclear. [48:03]
4. Favor with God is a Gift, Not an Achievement Any favor or blessing we experience is ultimately a gift from God, not something we earn. Just as Esther found favor with the king, we find favor with God through Jesus Christ. This access to God’s presence is immediate and unearned, inviting us to approach Him boldly with our deepest needs and prayers. [52:05]
5. Leverage Your Power and Influence for Others Every one of us has some measure of power, influence, or resources. The question is not whether we have it, but how we use it. Like Esther and ultimately like Jesus, we are called to use what we have for the benefit of others, serving sacrificially and doing for one what we wish we could do for all.

** [67:18]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[38:00] - Introduction and Context
[39:10] - Finding Esther in Your Bible
[40:00] - Esther’s Fasting and God’s Hidden Presence
[41:40] - The Significance of Three Days
[43:41] - The Pattern of Suffering, Waiting, and Hope
[46:06] - God’s Silence and Our Waiting
[47:25] - Esther’s Courage and Uncertainty
[48:56] - The Promise of Day Three
[50:22] - Esther Finds Favor
[52:05] - Access to God’s Throne Room
[54:33] - Esther’s Strategy and the Feasts
[56:12] - God’s Providence, Not Coincidence
[58:21] - Power, Influence, and Responsibility
[67:18] - Do for One What You Wish You Could Do for All
[68:39] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
[76:21] - Online Connection and Next Steps

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Esther 5–7 (ESV) — (Read the story of Esther’s approach to the king, her courage, the feasts, and the deliverance of her people.)

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.

Observation Questions

In Esther 5:1, what does Esther do after three days of fasting, and why is this action so risky?
According to the sermon, what is significant about the “third day” in Esther’s story and in the broader story of Scripture?
When Esther approaches the king, how does he respond to her, and what does this reveal about her favor?
In John 13, what does Jesus do when he realizes he has all power and authority?

Interpretation Questions

The sermon describes three “days” that mirror our own experiences: suffering, waiting, and resurrection. How does recognizing which “day” you are in help you relate to God and others?
Esther’s courage is described as moving forward despite fear. Why is it important to act in faith even when the outcome is uncertain?
The king’s favor toward Esther is compared to the favor we have with God through Jesus. What does it mean that our access to God is a gift and not something we earn?
Jesus uses his power to serve others by washing his disciples’ feet. What does this teach us about how we should use our own influence or resources?

Application Questions

The sermon says that God is always working behind the scenes, even when we can’t see Him. Can you think of a time in your life when God seemed silent, but later you realized He was at work? How did that experience shape your faith?
Which “day” do you feel like you are in right now—suffering, waiting, or resurrection? How does knowing that “day three is coming” affect your hope and actions this week?
Esther risked her life for her people, not knowing the outcome. Is there a situation in your life where you feel called to take a step of faith, even though you’re afraid? What would it look like to move forward in courage?
The sermon reminds us that favor with God is a gift through Jesus, not something we earn. Do you ever struggle to believe that you have direct access to God? What keeps you from approaching Him boldly with your needs?
Think about the power, influence, or resources you have—whether in your family, work, or community. How are you currently using them? Is there a way you could use them more intentionally to serve others, following Esther’s and Jesus’ example?
The pastor challenged us to “do for one what you wish you could do for everyone.” Who is one person God is putting on your heart to serve or help this week? What is one practical step you can take?
Sometimes we feel like we can’t make a difference because the needs are so big. How can you resist the temptation to do nothing, and instead take a small step of faithfulness?

Sermon Clips

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. [00:45:15] (30 seconds) #WaitingInTransition

Day three's coming. I don't know what is dead in your life right now, but as a follower of Jesus, place your faith and trust in God who can restore broken things. God can resurrect your marriage. God can resurrect broken relationships. God can heal you whatever you are going through. [00:47:00] (20 seconds) #FaithInRestoration

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 going to 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. [00:48:36] (39 seconds) #DayThreeHope

When you take steps, boldness and conviction, you trust God with the results on that. Now, God granted her favor. We see an earthly king giving her favor. Or it says here, she won favor. If you have ever experienced favor in your marriage, in your parents, parenting, in your job, in your community, if you've ever experienced favor, you didn't earn it. You might be really talented. You might have been the star quarterback on the football team, right? Everything that you've experienced with favor has come from God. God has granted you favor. [00:50:37] (42 seconds) #FavorIsGift

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. [00:52:44] (28 seconds) #BoldPrayersSee

Esther recognizes that she has power and influence. Last week, at the end of the message, one of the takeaways was, you all have power and influence. You may think, oh, I don't have that much power. I don't lead a company. I don't lead a boardroom. I don't have employees working for me. Listen, if you live in the United States, if you're a parent, if you're a grandparent, if you have siblings, you have power and influence. You have resources, you have time. You have choices that you can make. [00:57:50] (28 seconds) #ServeWithPower

What does it mean to wash feet modern day? What does that mean? It means you use your time, you use your resources, you use what God's given to you, your influence and your power for the betterment of the other people who are looking to you. It might be a younger sibling, it might be a parent that you're caring for, it might be grandchildren, it might be your church, it might be volunteering. [01:02:35] (29 seconds) #InfluenceForAll

Do for one what you wish you could do for everyone. God has given you a heart. God's given you power. 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, but 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 going to say, do for one what you wish you could do for everyone. [01:07:27] (27 seconds)

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Transcript

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