Queen Esther: Stepping Into Your Calling

Hello friends! Today, I am excited to share with you the story of Esther. Her story is one of power, grace, purpose, and trust.

Have you heard this verse from Esther 4?

Maybe the words, “Perhaps you were born for such a time as this” have spoken to you?

I know they have spoken to me many times! But this isn’t all of verse 14; there is more to learn from this powerful moment. 

If you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will come to the Jewish people from another place, but you and your father’s family will be destroyed. Who knows, perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this.

Let me share a little background about Esther.

She was an orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai in the land of Persia. At one point in time, king Ahassuerus was looking for a new queen and Esther, with the help of her cousin Mordecai and favor by God, was chosen. 

A man named Haman despised the Jews and came up with an evil plan to kill all of them. The king had granted this decree offered by Haman. When Mordecai heard of this plan, he asked Esther to go to the king and plead for her people, as she was also a Jew, but kept her identity secret. 

Esther could not simply go to the king and ask for his help. In order for Esther to see the king, she had to be summoned by him. If any man or woman were to approach the king without being summoned, the penalty was death. At this point, it had been thirty days since she had been summoned. (Esther 4:10-12). So what Mordecai was asking Esther to do could most certainly lead to her death.

Looking back at verse 14, let’s focus on the first part that Mordecai spoke to Esther, “If you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will come to the Jewish people from another place, but you and your father’s family will be destroyed.”

Even though the Lord placed Esther in a position to save the Jewish people, she still had to choose to step into that purpose.

God is the ultimate victor, and He wants to use us in His victory.

However, the enemy would want nothing more than to take that purpose away. To make us feel alone so we stand in fear rather than step forward in faith. 

At this moment, Mordecai was making two things clear: 

1. No matter Esther’s choice, God’s will would be fulfilled. What Mordecai shares here is that no matter our decision or what we choose, this will not change the will of God! (We aren’t that powerful).

Jesus responded, ‘Listen to me. If my followers were silenced, the very stones would break forth with praises!’

John 19:40

2. This was an opportunity for her to step into the calling God has placed on her life. God gives us choices; to follow and be obedient to His calling or not. But you know what is truly beautiful, God WANTS us to be a part of His plan so much that He designs each of us for a unique purpose in this plan! 

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10

“God prepared in ADVANCE for us to do.”

Meaning, He destined you to be a part of His plan and will before you ever took your first breath! He set YOU apart, just like He set Esther apart. 

In verse 15-16, we see her decision:

“Esther sent this reply to Mordecai, ‘Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa and fast for me. Don’t eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my female servants will also fast in the same way. After that, I will go to the king even if it is against the law. If I perish, I perish.” 

I’m sure in making this decision she must have been feeling terrified and desperate.

Terrified of death while desperate to save her people.

However, Esther knows she can’t move forward without seeking God, which is evident in her response. She doesn’t run to the king begging for help in that moment; instead she paused to take time to seek the true King through fasting and prayer. 

How often do we rush into something instead of pausing and leaning into God and seeking Him. Even in those moments where we know we are following His will, we also need to ask the Lord:

What steps do I need to take? 

How do I continue to follow your will? 

What do you want me to do in this moment or the next?

This is exactly what Esther did. She knew how she would enter the presence of the king would determine the outcome, and in order to find out the best way to do that, she needed to seek God. The one who created the plan, the one who knew every outcome possible, the one who wanted to protect her and her people. 

By following God’s plan every step of the way, she received His victory and favor as did all her people! Had she tried to step into her purpose without being led by God, she wouldn’t have received His full victory. 

Esther teaches us numerous lessons about our purpose and I hope some of those are shown through these words. 

Friends, I hope you choose to step into what God has called you for and experience His true victory. It is so important to hear, trust, and pursue God’s purpose in your life. 

And remember, it doesn’t end there! Even after He shows you a direction, I want to encourage you to never stop pursuing Him in the journey and allow Him to be your guide and leader. He won’t lead you astray and will always protect you, just as He did Esther!

Xoxo, 

Sarah