Stepping into Courage: For Such a Time as This

Summary

In Esther 4, the story unfolds with Esther at a crossroads, holding a position of influence yet facing a crisis that threatens her people. The narrative draws a powerful parallel to the story of Rosa Parks, whose quiet but bold refusal to give up her seat in 1955 Montgomery became a catalyst for change. Both Esther and Rosa Parks found themselves in situations where the right thing to do was clear, but the cost was high and the outcome uncertain. Their stories remind us that sometimes, standing up for what is right means stepping into danger, not knowing how things will turn out, but trusting that our actions matter.

Esther’s initial response to Mordecai’s plea is hesitation—she knows the risks of approaching the king uninvited. Mordecai’s words cut to the heart: “If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” This is not just a call to courage, but a reminder that God’s purposes are not dependent on any one person, yet He invites us to participate in His work. The privilege is not in being the hero, but in being willing to do the next right thing, even when the story’s end is hidden from us.

We often want assurance that our actions will make a difference, but like Esther and Rosa Parks, we rarely see the full picture. The call is to faithfulness in the moment, to stand in the gap for others, not for our own glory, but to reflect God’s character and love. Sometimes, the next right thing is simply to say “no” to injustice, to step forward in obedience, and to trust that God is at work, even when we cannot see how the story will unfold. The challenge is to recognize the opportunities God places before us and to have the courage to act, knowing that we may have been placed exactly where we are for such a time as this.

Key Takeaways

- True courage often looks like quiet, steadfast resistance in the face of injustice, rather than dramatic heroics. Rosa Parks and Esther both acted not out of a desire for recognition, but from a deep conviction to do what was right, even when the cost was high and the outcome uncertain. Their stories remind us that God often works through ordinary people who are willing to take extraordinary risks for the sake of others. [05:21]

- God’s purposes are not thwarted by our reluctance or fear. Mordecai’s assurance to Esther that deliverance will come, with or without her, is a humbling reminder that God’s plans are bigger than any one individual. Yet, He graciously invites us to participate, offering us the privilege of being part of His redemptive work in the world. [14:00]

- The significance of our actions is often hidden from us in the moment. Like Esther and Rosa Parks, we rarely see the ripple effects of our obedience or resistance. Faithfulness means doing the next right thing, even when we cannot predict the outcome, trusting that God can use our small acts of courage in ways we may never fully understand. [15:56]

- Standing up for what is right is not about self-importance or personal glory. The temptation to see ourselves as indispensable can be subtle, especially when we are in positions of influence. Instead, we are called to humility, recognizing that our role is to reflect God’s justice and love, not to secure our own legacy. [13:01]

- God often places us in specific situations for reasons we may not immediately grasp. The challenge is to discern the opportunities before us and to respond with faith and boldness, even when the risks are real and the path is unclear. We are called to be present, attentive, and willing to act, trusting that God has positioned us “for such a time as this.” [16:48]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:44] - Rosa Parks: Quiet Courage in Montgomery
[02:12] - The Bus Incident and Its Implications
[03:23] - The Cost of Saying No
[04:29] - Making an Example: Rosa Parks and Queen Vashti
[05:21] - The Danger and Impact of Resistance
[06:57] - Mourning and the Jewish Response
[07:46] - Esther Seeks Understanding
[08:54] - The Weight of Mordecai’s Grief
[09:39] - Esther’s Dilemma and Risk
[10:30] - Mordecai’s Challenge to Esther
[11:16] - “For Such a Time as This”
[12:11] - The Power and Limits of Individual Action
[13:01] - God’s Purposes and Our Participation
[14:50] - The Opportunity to Stand in the Gap
[15:56] - Faithfulness Without Knowing the Outcome
[16:48] - Esther’s Decision and Call to Fast
[17:53] - Doing the Next Right Thing
[18:30] - Closing Prayer
[19:10] - Praying for Courage and Faith
[20:12] - Amen and Conclusion

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Esther 4 – For Such a Time as This

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### Bible Reading

Esther 4 (ESV)

> 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.”

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### Observation Questions

1. What was the risk Esther faced if she went to the king without being invited? ([08:54])
2. How did Mordecai challenge Esther’s initial hesitation to act? What did he say would happen if she stayed silent? ([11:16])
3. What was Esther’s response after hearing Mordecai’s message? What did she ask the people to do? ([16:48])
4. In the sermon, what parallel was drawn between Esther and Rosa Parks? ([05:21])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Mordecai say that deliverance for the Jews will come “from another place” if Esther remains silent? What does this reveal about his view of God’s plans? ([14:00])
2. The sermon points out that neither Esther nor Rosa Parks could see the outcome of their actions. Why is it often difficult to act courageously when we don’t know how things will turn out? ([15:29])
3. What does the phrase “for such a time as this” mean in the context of Esther’s story? How does the sermon suggest this applies to ordinary people today? ([16:48])
4. According to the sermon, what is the difference between acting for personal glory and acting out of faithfulness to God? ([13:01])

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### Application Questions

1. Think about a time when you knew the right thing to do, but the cost or risk made you hesitate. What was that situation, and what did you decide? What would you do differently now after hearing Esther’s story? ([09:39])
2. The sermon says that God’s purposes are not dependent on any one person, but He invites us to participate. How does this truth affect the way you view your own opportunities to make a difference? ([14:00])
3. Esther asked her people to fast and pray before she acted. When you face a difficult decision, what role does prayer or seeking support from others play in your process? Is there a current situation where you need to ask others to pray with you? ([16:48])
4. The story of Rosa Parks shows that quiet, steadfast resistance can be powerful. Are there small or quiet ways you can stand up for what is right in your daily life, even if no one notices? ([05:21])
5. The sermon warns against thinking we are indispensable or acting for our own recognition. Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to seek credit or feel “indispensable”? How can you shift your focus to reflecting God’s love and justice instead? ([13:01])
6. Sometimes, the “next right thing” is simply to say “no” to injustice or to step forward in obedience. Is there a specific situation right now where you sense God calling you to take a stand, even if the outcome is uncertain? What is holding you back? ([15:56])
7. The phrase “for such a time as this” suggests God places us in certain situations for a reason. Where do you think God has placed you right now, and what opportunities might He be inviting you to step into? ([16:48])

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God for courage to do the next right thing, even when the outcome is unclear, and for eyes to see the opportunities He has placed before you “for such a time as this.”

Devotional

Day 1: Called for Such a Time as This
Each of us may find ourselves in moments where we are uniquely positioned to make a difference, even if we do not fully understand the impact our actions might have. Esther was reminded by Mordecai that her royal position did not guarantee her safety, but perhaps she was placed there for a purpose greater than herself. In the same way, we are sometimes called to step forward in faith, trusting that God has placed us where we are for a reason, even when the risks seem high and the outcome is uncertain. [11:16]

Esther 4:13-14 (ESV)
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. 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: Where has God placed you right now that might be an opportunity to stand up for others, even if it feels risky or uncomfortable?


Day 2: God’s Purposes Will Prevail
No matter how important we think our role is, God’s plans are not dependent on any one person. Mordecai’s words to Esther remind us that God’s deliverance will come, with or without our participation, but we are invited to be part of His work. This humbling truth calls us to act not out of pride or self-importance, but out of obedience and a desire to be used by God for His purposes. [14:00]

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: Is there an area in your life where you have hesitated to act, thinking you are not essential? How might God be inviting you to participate in His work anyway?


Day 3: Courage to Do the Next Right Thing
Often, we do not get to see the end of the story or the full impact of our choices. Like Esther and Rosa Parks, we are called to do the next right thing, even when the outcome is hidden from us. God asks us to be faithful in the moment, to stand up for what is right, and to trust Him with the results, knowing that our small acts of courage can be part of a much bigger story. [15:56]

James 4:17 (ESV)
So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

Reflection: What is one “next right thing” you sense God is asking you to do today, even if you don’t know how it will turn out?


Day 4: Standing in the Gap for Others
There are times when we are called to stand in the gap for those who are vulnerable or oppressed, not for our own recognition, but to reflect God’s justice and love. Esther risked her own safety to plead for her people, and we too are invited to use our influence, however great or small, to advocate for others and to show the world who God is through our actions. [16:48]

Proverbs 31:8-9 (ESV)
Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Reflection: Who in your community or circle of influence needs you to “stand in the gap” for them today, and what practical step can you take?


Day 5: Faithfulness in Uncertainty
We rarely see the whole picture of what God is doing, but He calls us to be faithful and courageous even when the path ahead is unclear. Like Esther, we may only have a glimmer of understanding, but God uses our obedience to build our character and to accomplish His purposes. Trusting God in uncertainty shapes us to be more like Him and allows us to participate in His unfolding story. [19:10]

Romans 8:28 (ESV)
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Reflection: When you face uncertainty, how can you remind yourself to trust God’s bigger story and remain faithful in the small steps He asks of you?

Quotes

Esther, if you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place. Esther, you have an opportunity to stand up against evil. You have an opportunity to stand up and place yourself, stop the gap. It's your choice to take it or not. [00:14:00] (26 seconds)  #DivineProtectionPromise Edit Clip

And here's what we believe. God loves his people. The Jewish people are the chosen people of God. God is not going to let them completely disintegrate because Esther doesn't decide to stand up to King Xerxes. Because Esther doesn't decide to place herself in danger. God is not going to let his chosen people pass away. [00:14:27] (29 seconds)  #RoleInTheGreaterPlan Edit Clip

Now what Mordecai does say is, you may be at loss. It doesn't mean that there won't be people lost. We've seen in the repeats of history over and over again that Jews are targeted over and over and over. And yet, we're still here. God loves his chosen people. He does not need us to fulfill his prophecies. But we get the opportunity. We get the opportunity that we've been placed in places for a reason. [00:14:56] (42 seconds)  #FaithInTheUnknown Edit Clip

You know, and I like to see the end of the story. I like to see the full picture. I like to know that the things that I'm about to do are going to make a difference in the world. But in the middle of the story, you don't get that opportunity. You have the information that you have. You're sitting on the bus, being told to move out of your seat. You don't know that by not, by choosing to not get out of your seat, that there's going to be a boycott of all buses coming with the majority of the people that use this bus. And through that, life is going to change. You don't get that opportunity to see that. [00:15:37] (40 seconds)  #JusticeOverComfort Edit Clip

What you know is that it is not right for someone else to force me to get out of my seat strictly based on the color of my skin. What I know is that I am in a place where I can make a difference. It's not about how big that difference is going to be. It's, am I willing to step up? Am I willing to stand in the gap? Am I willing to be bold even if I don't understand how it's going to affect me fully? If I don't understand how the story is going to play out at the end, God calls us to stand up for what is right. [00:16:17] (46 seconds)  #MomentOfDecision Edit Clip

But when we don't know the outcome, when we don't know what's going to happen next, do we choose to do the next right thing? Do we choose to stand in the place for others? Not because it makes us great. But because we want to show others who God is. Because we want to be right according to his word in all that we do. [00:17:53] (30 seconds)  #NextRightStep Edit Clip

Sometimes when evil is advancing through the world, the next right thing is to stand up for who you are. Not because of what I personally get for it, but because that's what you said is right. [00:19:24] (21 seconds)  #CourageToPersist Edit Clip

Give us the courage to say no. Give us the courage to keep doing the next right thing even when we're in danger. Who knows? You may have placed us exactly where we are in this moment for just a time like this. [00:19:48] (33 seconds)  #PurposeForThisTime Edit Clip