Discovering Courage with God’s Love: The Book of Esther

Recently I felt a calling on my heart to study the book of Esther in Bible. I shared my thoughts with the ladies in my prayer group (who I call my cherished sisters as they are true encouragers), and they unanimously agreed to join me in this new Bible study journey. Though the book of Esther may seem like an easy read with only ten short chapters, it is filled with rich history and the insurmountable courage of a young woman who came from a challenging background to answer a calling from God that would save the people of her heritage for generations. I would like to invite you to join us in this study of the book of Esther. (For more in depth summaries, we are sharing two resources: a video here, and a study guide, here.) Perhaps her life’s story will inspire you to walk through something that you are going through today, with hope and courage from God.

As Eugene Peterson author of Esther, Finding Yourself In Times of Trouble (A Drawn in Bible Study) penned: “Joy isn’t a private emotion; it requires community for both its development and its expression. And since the community is provided and preserved by God, the response is joy in God.” This quote makes me think of my sacred Circle of Love Sisterhood where we gather together as community to love and encourage one another to embrace God’s joy.

I remembered this line from Terry Glaspey’s Discovering God through the Arts: “Courage demands that we put aside our fears and imagine a better world.” The author goes on to share how creativity and art help us to imagine a solution to a troubling challenge or situation. He adds that the arts can “give us the courage to stand for others.” He continues to say that the Bible speaks often about our duty to stand against injustice and defend the oppressed and marginalized. Maybe, if we choose to look up and see a bigger picture to imagine something better (like Esther), we, too, will have the Courage to walk with God to help others and conquer our own challenges if we are willing to open our creative hearts to see a greater good and hope.  

It is important to note that only two books in the Bible were written with women names, Esther and Ruth. And, only two books in the Bible do not mention the name of God, Esther and Song of Songs / Song of Solomon.

First a little background on Esther. Esther, who was adopted by her uncle, became a noble queen of courage. We are told that she sat by the Gate all day, a minority in her culture.  She, like many other heroes in the Bible, was an ordinary person who was called upon by God to do extraordinary things.

The Story of Esther spoke to me, because we are all faced with so many choices today— tough decisions where we must learn to “trust” God and lean on him to guide us to do "what is right” for His greater purpose.  For Esther, this meant standing up to her king against all odds, knowing she may face death. She chose to defend the Jewish people so that their life could be continued for generations and be preserved.  She became a Queen of God’s royalty of Trust, Faith and Courage.

For if you remain silent at this time,
relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place,
but you and your father’s family will perish. 
And who knows but that you have come to your
royal position for such a time as this?”   
Esther 4:14 NIV

When we choose to make the decision to trust in our Heavenly Father for all things, He will guide us through our seasons of life to live in Joy.

We are “Esthers” when we choose to help and guide families, friends, colleagues and community members with our beautiful hearts for God. Who knows when a family member, friend or colleague will become the next Moses, David, Ruth, Esther, or the Samaritan women in the book of John.

Let’s encourage one another to have the courage to know that we are not alone. Our God is our refuge and he is always with us.  Together we become a community of Courage in God’s Joy. 

Thoughts to reflect upon: 
No place nor privilege of situation ever exempt us from the responsibility of God’s call.

There may be a situation that seems hopeless, yet for God, it is never helpless. He is always with us. A “God-Calling” is a gracious opportunity that becomes a “privilege” gift for us. 

You are a Courageous Lady!
Let’s walk together in courage to see the beauty that surrounds us in our everyday lives.  I invite you to draw in to God to embrace His love through all seasons.

Thoughtful Guide:

Is there a tough decision you need to make today? Draw or sketch what you would like the outcome to look like. Ask God to lead you in His word with guidance and peace.

Is there a family member, friend or colleague that may need some encouragement today? Create something for them -- a note, an invitation to sit together for a cup of coffee, or a walk to share and talk.

Look up and discover God’s great mastery of beauty that gives us the strength to carry forth in times of struggle and despair. Have peace in knowing God is Always with Us. Much like Esther who stood up to the ways of the world to save a nation, we are never alone.  Be fearless and know that God is always with you.

Bible Verses for Reflection

So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:1( NIV)

Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,
for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 (NIV) 

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)