Faithfulness and Courage in Unseen Trials

Summary

The story of Esther unfolds in a world where God’s name is never mentioned, yet His presence is unmistakable. As the Jews live in exile under the rule of King Xerxes, we see a king who is easily swayed and a court filled with intrigue and self-interest. After Queen Vashti is removed for refusing the king’s humiliating request, Esther, a young Jewish woman raised by her cousin Mordecai, is chosen as the new queen. Mordecai, a man of integrity, uncovers a plot to assassinate the king and saves his life, yet receives no recognition or reward. Instead, Haman, a man driven by pride and hatred, is promoted to the highest position in the empire.

Haman’s rise to power sets the stage for a crisis. Mordecai refuses to bow to Haman, not out of stubbornness, but out of faithfulness to his identity and convictions as a Jew. This act of defiance enrages Haman, who then plots not only to destroy Mordecai but to annihilate all the Jews in the empire. The king, indifferent and easily manipulated, gives Haman his signet ring, allowing him to issue a decree of genocide. The decree is sent throughout the empire, and the city of Susa is thrown into confusion and fear.

In this moment, the story confronts us with the reality that doing the right thing does not always lead to immediate reward or recognition. Mordecai’s faithfulness is met with silence, while evil seems to prosper. Yet, the absence of God’s name in the narrative does not mean the absence of His hand. Even when God’s voice is not heard, and His will is not clear, the call remains to do what is right, to stand firm in faith, and to resist the pressure to conform to evil.

The story of Esther and Mordecai challenges us to trust in God’s unseen presence, to act with courage and integrity, and to believe that even in the silence, God is at work. The choice to do the next right thing, even when it is costly or goes unnoticed, is an act of faith that honors God and shapes the story of His people.

Key Takeaways

- Faithfulness in Silence: Mordecai’s story reminds us that God’s guidance is not always obvious or audible. Even when we do not hear God’s voice or see immediate results, we are called to remain faithful and do what is right, trusting that God is present and working behind the scenes. [17:50]

- The Cost of Conviction: Standing up for what is right, as Mordecai did by refusing to bow to Haman, often comes with risk and sacrifice. True conviction is not swayed by cultural pressure or fear of consequences, but is anchored in a deeper allegiance to God’s truth and our identity in Him. [18:49]

- Evil’s Temporary Triumph: The promotion of Haman and the decree against the Jews show that evil can sometimes appear to succeed. However, the story cautions us not to equate temporary victories of evil with the absence or defeat of God’s purposes. God’s justice and deliverance may be delayed, but they are never denied. [16:18]

- The Power of Unseen Influence: Esther and Mordecai’s actions, though seemingly small and unnoticed at first, become pivotal in God’s redemptive plan. Our choices to do the next right thing, even when no one is watching, can have far-reaching impact beyond what we can see or imagine. [21:08]

- Choosing the Next Right Thing: In a world where God’s will is not always clear and the path forward is uncertain, we are given the freedom and responsibility to choose what is right. Obedience is not about having all the answers, but about taking the next faithful step, trusting that God honors those who walk in His ways. [20:16]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:39] - Recap of Esther Chapters 1-2
[01:19] - King Xerxes’ Reign and the Exile
[02:16] - Queen Vashti’s Refusal and Removal
[03:22] - Esther and Mordecai Introduced
[04:14] - Mordecai’s Loyalty and the Foiled Plot
[05:11] - The Unrewarded Hero
[06:30] - Introducing Haman: The Villain
[07:37] - Haman’s Promotion and Mordecai’s Defiance
[08:53] - God’s Unspoken Presence
[10:19] - Haman’s Rage and Plot Against the Jews
[11:15] - Casting Lots: The Date of Destruction
[12:35] - Haman’s Bribe and the King’s Decree
[14:24] - The Genocidal Edict
[16:18] - Susa in Confusion; The Reality of Injustice
[17:50] - Faithfulness Amidst Evil
[18:49] - Standing Firm in the Face of Pressure
[20:16] - Praying for Courage and Obedience
[21:08] - Closing Prayer and Challenge

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Esther – Faithfulness in Silence

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### Bible Reading

Esther 3:1-15 (ESV)
*(This passage is the main text for the sermon and covers Haman’s promotion, Mordecai’s refusal to bow, and the decree against the Jews.)*

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Esther 3, what was the reason Mordecai refused to bow down to Haman? ([08:53])
2. What was Haman’s reaction when he learned Mordecai would not bow to him, and what did he decide to do as a result? ([10:19])
3. How did King Xerxes respond to Haman’s request to destroy the Jews? What did he give Haman? ([12:35])
4. After the decree was sent out, what was the response of the city of Susa? ([16:18])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The book of Esther never mentions God by name, yet the sermon says His presence is “unmistakable.” What are some ways God’s hand is seen in this chapter, even though He is not mentioned? ([08:53])
2. Mordecai’s refusal to bow is described as an act of faithfulness to his identity as a Jew. Why might this have been such a significant and risky choice for him? ([09:38])
3. The sermon points out that Mordecai did the right thing by saving the king but received no reward, while Haman was promoted. What does this teach about the relationship between faithfulness and recognition? ([17:11])
4. The decree against the Jews caused confusion and fear in Susa. What does this reveal about the impact of evil decisions on a community? ([16:18])

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon says, “doing the right thing does not always lead to immediate reward or recognition.” Can you think of a time when you did the right thing but felt overlooked or unrewarded? How did you respond? ([17:11])
2. Mordecai stood firm in his convictions, even when pressured by those around him. Are there areas in your life where you feel pressured to compromise your beliefs or identity? What would it look like to stand firm in those situations? ([18:49])
3. The story shows that evil can sometimes appear to win for a season. How do you keep trusting God’s justice and goodness when it seems like evil is succeeding? ([17:50])
4. Esther and Mordecai’s small, faithful choices became pivotal in God’s plan. Is there a “small” right thing you feel called to do this week, even if no one else notices? What is it? ([21:08])
5. The sermon mentions that God’s will is not always clear, but we are still called to take the next faithful step. Is there a decision or situation in your life right now where you don’t have all the answers? What might it look like to take the next right step in faith? ([20:16])
6. When have you felt God’s presence most clearly in a season of silence or uncertainty? How did that experience shape your faith? ([17:50])
7. The king was easily swayed and indifferent, while Mordecai acted with integrity. In your daily life, how can you guard against being passive or indifferent when faced with injustice or wrong? ([12:35])

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*End with a time of prayer, asking God for courage to do the next right thing, even when it’s costly or goes unnoticed.*

Devotional

Day 1: Standing Firm in Faith When Pressured by the World
Mordecai refused to bow down to Haman, even though it was commanded by the king and expected by everyone around him. His quiet but resolute stand was not about pride, but about remaining true to his faith and identity as a Jew, even in a foreign land where the laws and customs were different. Sometimes, doing what is right means standing apart from the crowd, even when it is uncomfortable or dangerous. In a world that often pressures us to conform, we are reminded that our allegiance is first to God and His ways, not to the shifting values of society. [08:53]

Esther 3:2 (ESV)
"And all the king’s servants who were at the king’s gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman, for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage."

Reflection: Where in your life are you feeling pressured to compromise your faith or values, and what would it look like to stand firm in that area today?


Day 2: Doing the Right Thing Without Expecting Reward
Mordecai exposed a plot to assassinate King Xerxes, saving the king’s life, yet he received no recognition or reward for his good deed. Instead of seeking acknowledgment or becoming bitter, Mordecai simply did what was right because it was right. This challenges us to examine our own motives—are we willing to do good even if no one notices, trusting that God sees and values our faithfulness? [17:11]

Esther 2:21-23 (ESV)
"In those days, as Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, became angry and sought to lay hands on King Xerxes. And this came to the knowledge of Mordecai, and he told it to Queen Esther, and Esther told the king in the name of Mordecai. When the affair was investigated and found to be so, the men were both hanged on the gallows. And it was recorded in the book of the chronicles in the presence of the king."

Reflection: Can you recall a time when you did the right thing without recognition? How might you continue to act justly today, even if no one else notices?


Day 3: Trusting God’s Presence When He Seems Silent
The book of Esther never mentions God by name, yet His hand is evident throughout the story. Even when God’s voice is not heard and His presence is not obvious, He is still at work behind the scenes. In our own lives, we may go through seasons where God feels silent or distant, but we are encouraged to trust that He is still guiding, protecting, and working for our good, even when we cannot see it. [20:16]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Reflection: When have you felt God was silent in your life, and how can you choose to trust His unseen presence and guidance today?


Day 4: Resisting Evil Even When It Grows Strong
Haman’s rise to power and his plot against the Jews show that evil can sometimes flourish and even be rewarded in this world. Yet, Mordecai and Esther’s story reminds us that we are called to resist evil, not by matching its methods, but by holding fast to what is right and trusting God with the outcome. Evil may seem to advance, but it never has the final word. [17:50]

Romans 12:21 (ESV)
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can resist the influence of evil or injustice in your environment this week?


Day 5: Choosing the Next Right Thing in Uncertainty
Esther and Mordecai faced overwhelming uncertainty and danger, yet they continued to do the next right thing, even without clear direction from God. Life often presents us with choices where the path is unclear, but we are called to act with integrity, keep God’s commands, and trust Him with the results. Even when we don’t hear God’s voice, we can still walk in faith by choosing what is right, one step at a time. [21:08]

Micah 6:8 (ESV)
"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Reflection: What is one “next right thing” you sense God calling you to do today, even if you don’t have all the answers?

Quotes

We see that in the Old Testament over and over and over again, where people are displaced from their homeland, and in other lands they have different laws and different regulations and different gods that they served. And yet, the people who are written into Scripture, while not perfect, they do what is right. [00:09:12] (25 seconds)  #RighteousnessInExile Edit Clip

In real life and scripture, the right thing that should always happen doesn't always happen. Mordecai did the right thing. Mordecai saved King Xerxes. And yet he received nothing in return. And he didn't go and storm into the king's palace. He didn't go in and make a huge issue. He just chose to do what was right because this is what God had asked of him. [00:16:47] (43 seconds)  #DoingRightWithoutReward Edit Clip

Evil sometimes can grow and swell. Evil sometimes can make advances the way it wants to. But at the end of this story, we're going to see what God does or doesn't allow to happen. Even though there's not a clear separation and Mordecai and Esther calling on the name of Jesus, calling on the name of God, saying, save us from Haman, we see the hand of God over and over. [00:17:46] (37 seconds)  #DivineJusticeUnseen Edit Clip

As I talked last week, this book doesn't express the name of God. But in my life, I don't always hear the audible voice of God. In fact, I usually don't. But as you live through our life, there are going to be evils. There are going to be Haman's that present themselves. How do we deal with that? [00:18:24] (29 seconds)  #FacingEvilWithFaith Edit Clip

We have the option to choose what is best for us. We have the option to go down any path that we decide to go down. We have freedom of choice. And honestly, we don't always hear what you would like us to do. [00:20:21] (17 seconds)  #FreedomToChoose Edit Clip

``Just because we don't hear your voice doesn't mean that we can't follow your word. Just because we don't hear your voice doesn't mean we can't continue to do the right thing that is next. Keeping your commands and your laws. Living within your love. [00:20:43] (24 seconds)  #ObedienceWithoutHearing Edit Clip

Not bowing down to the evil of this world, not giving in just because they pressure us, not giving in when they threaten my entire humanity, but standing up for what is right simply because it is right. [00:21:08] (15 seconds)  #CourageInConviction Edit Clip