God's Hidden Work: Courage and Faith in Esther

The story of Esther is a powerful reminder that God is always at work, even when His name isn’t mentioned and His presence isn’t obvious. In the midst of political intrigue, personal risk, and looming disaster, Esther finds herself in a position she never asked for, facing a choice that could cost her everything. The Persian king’s rash decisions and Haman’s prideful schemes set the stage for a crisis that threatens the very existence of the Jewish people. Yet, through the courage of Esther and the integrity of Mordecai, we see how God’s purposes unfold in unexpected ways.

Esther’s journey is marked by hidden identity, uncertainty, and the absence of overt miracles. She is called to act not because she is the most powerful or influential, but because she is willing to risk herself for the sake of others. Mordecai’s words to her—reminding her that she may have been placed in her position “for such a time as this”—echo the truth that each of us is given opportunities to step into God’s purposes, even when the path is unclear or the cost is high.

The resolution of the story doesn’t come through a reversal of the king’s decree, but through a new decree that empowers the Jewish people to defend themselves. This is a reminder that God’s deliverance often comes through human action, courage, and faithfulness, rather than through dramatic interventions. Even in a world that feels chaotic and unjust, God is working behind the scenes, inviting us to participate in His redemptive work.

The book of Esther also challenges us to look beyond our own comfort and security, to see the needs of our community, and to stand up against evil and injustice. It’s not enough to simply hope for things to get better; we are called to take the next right step, to act with integrity, and to trust that God is present, even when we can’t see Him clearly. Ultimately, the story points us to the love of God—a love that rescues, redeems, and calls us to be agents of His grace in the world.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God’s Presence in Hiddenness: Even when God’s name isn’t mentioned and His hand isn’t obvious, He is still at work. The book of Esther shows that God’s providence can be found in the ordinary and the unseen, guiding events and people toward His purposes. Our faith is often tested in seasons when God feels silent, but we can trust that He is present and active, even in the shadows. [04:08]
• 2. Courage in the Face of Risk: Esther’s willingness to risk her life for her people is a profound example of sacrificial courage. True faith often requires stepping into uncertainty and danger, not for personal gain, but for the good of others. We are each given moments where we must decide whether to act bravely or remain silent, and our choices can have far-reaching consequences. [06:37]
• 3. The Power of Ordinary Faithfulness: Mordecai’s steadfastness and refusal to bow to Haman, even when it put him in danger, highlights the impact of everyday faithfulness. It’s not always the grand gestures, but the consistent, quiet acts of integrity that shape the course of history. God uses ordinary people who are willing to do the next right thing, even when it’s costly. [08:58]
• 4. Deliverance Through Human Action: God’s deliverance in Esther’s story comes not through miraculous intervention, but through the courageous actions of His people. This reminds us that we are often called to be the answer to our own prayers, stepping out in faith and obedience to bring about change. Our participation in God’s work is both a privilege and a responsibility. [12:29]
• 5. Choosing to Stand Against Evil: The story challenges us to confront evil and injustice, not just in distant places, but in our own communities and lives. Jesus modeled this by seeking out the marginalized and standing with the oppressed. We are invited to represent Him by choosing to do what is right, even when it’s difficult or unpopular, trusting that God will use our actions for His greater good. [19:05]
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Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:45] - Introduction to Esther and Context
• [02:10] - Esther’s Hidden Identity and Becoming Queen
• [03:08] - Haman’s Rise and Mordecai’s Defiance
• [04:08] - God’s Name Absent, Faith Present
• [04:50] - Haman’s Plot Against the Jews
• [05:46] - Esther’s Moment of Decision
• [06:37] - Personal Reflection: Being Placed for a Purpose
• [08:11] - Mordecai’s Assurance and Esther’s Choice
• [08:58] - Esther’s Plan and the Turning Point
• [10:08] - The King’s New Decree
• [12:29] - The Jews Empowered to Defend Themselves
• [13:31] - Esther’s Sacrifice and God’s Deliverance
• [14:45] - The Reality of Evil and God’s Heart
• [16:37] - The Celebration of Purim
• [17:38] - God’s Love and Redemption
• [18:28] - Facing Threats and Following Jesus’ Example
• [19:05] - Standing Against Evil
• [20:31] - Prayer and Closing Reflections
• [21:36] - Final Blessing and Dismissal

Bible Reading

Esther 4:12-17 (ESV) — 12 And they told Mordecai what Esther had said.
13 Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think to yourself that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews.
14 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?”
15 Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai,
16 “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.”
17 Mordecai then went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.

Esther 8:7-12 (ESV) — 7 Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther and to Mordecai the Jew, “Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and they have hanged him on the gallows, because he intended to lay hands on the Jews.
8 But you may write as you please with regard to the Jews, in the name of the king, and seal it with the king’s ring, for an edict written in the name of the king and sealed with the king’s ring cannot be revoked.”
9 The king’s scribes were summoned at that time, in the third month, which is the month of Sivan, on the twenty-third day. And an edict was written, according to all that Mordecai commanded concerning the Jews, to the satraps and the governors and the officials of the provinces from India to Ethiopia, 127 provinces, to each province in its own script and to each people in its own language, and also to the Jews in their script and their language.
10 And he wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed it with the king’s signet ring. Then he sent the letters by mounted couriers riding on swift horses that were used in the king’s service, bred from the royal stud,
11 saying that the king allowed the Jews who were in every city to gather and defend their lives, to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate any armed force of any people or province that might attack them, children and women included, and to plunder their goods,
12 on one day throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar.

Observation Questions

1. What was Esther’s initial response when Mordecai asked her to approach the king, and what changed her mind? (Esther 4:12-17; [05:46])
2. According to the sermon, what is unique about the book of Esther in terms of mentioning God’s name or direct miracles? ([04:08])
3. What did the new decree from King Xerxes allow the Jewish people to do, and why was this significant? (Esther 8:7-12; [12:29])
4. How did Mordecai and Esther each show courage or faithfulness in the story? ([08:58])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think God’s name is never mentioned in the book of Esther, and how does this affect the way we see God’s involvement in the story? ([04:08])
2. What does Mordecai’s statement, “And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” suggest about God’s purpose for our lives? (Esther 4:14; [05:46])
3. The sermon points out that deliverance came through human action rather than a dramatic miracle. What does this say about the way God often works in our lives? ([12:29])
4. How does Esther’s willingness to risk her life for her people challenge our understanding of courage and faith? ([06:37])

Application Questions

1. The sermon talked about God working “behind the scenes” even when we can’t see Him. Can you think of a time in your life when you didn’t see God’s hand at work until later? How did that experience shape your faith? ([20:31])
2. Mordecai told Esther she might be in her position “for such a time as this.” Is there a situation in your life right now where you feel God might be calling you to step up, even if it’s risky or uncomfortable? What would it look like to say yes? ([05:46])
3. Esther acted not because she was the most powerful, but because she was willing to risk herself for others. Is there someone in your community or circle who needs you to stand up for them or help them, even if it costs you something? ([06:37])
4. The sermon mentioned that God’s deliverance often comes through ordinary faithfulness and small steps. What is one “next right thing” you feel God is asking you to do this week? ([13:31])
5. The story challenges us to stand against evil and injustice, not just hope things get better. Is there an area where you’ve been silent or passive that you sense God wants you to speak up or take action? ([19:05])
6. The book of Esther is about looking beyond our own comfort and security. What is one way you can move beyond your comfort zone to serve or love others this month? ([14:45])
7. The sermon closed with a prayer about choosing to be more like Jesus, especially when God feels distant. What is one practical way you can choose to represent Jesus in your daily life, even when you don’t feel His presence? ([20:31])