Walking with the Women in the Bible: Esther, A Woman of Courage and Purpose
Welcome back to Walking with the Women in the Bible, where we explore the incredible lives of women who demonstrated faith, courage, and purpose in ways that continue to inspire us today. Today, we are walking with Esther, a woman whose story is one of bravery, wisdom, and divine timing. Esther’s life shows us what it means to step into our calling, even when the stakes are high, and to trust that God has placed us where we are for a reason.
Let’s dive into Esther’s life and discover the lessons we can learn about courage, purpose, and God’s sovereignty.
Who Was Esther?
Esther’s story is found in the book that bears her name, and it begins with a remarkable twist of fate. Born as Hadassah, an orphaned Jewish girl, she was raised by her cousin Mordecai in the Persian city of Susa. At a time when the Jewish people were living in exile, Esther’s life took an unexpected turn when King Xerxes of Persia chose her to be his queen, not knowing that she was Jewish.
Esther’s true test of courage came when the king’s top official, Haman, plotted to destroy all the Jews in the Persian Empire. Mordecai urged Esther to use her influence as queen to intervene on behalf of her people. Though approaching the king without being summoned could result in death, Esther chose to risk her life for the sake of her people. In one of the most powerful moments in Scripture, she declared, “If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16).
Through Esther’s wisdom and bravery, God used her to save the Jewish people from destruction Her story is a testimony to the power of stepping into your God-given purpose, even when fear tries to hold you back.
Esther’s Triumphs and Lessons
Esther’s greatest triumph was her willingness to step into a dangerous situation for the sake of others. When she learned of Haman’s plan to destroy the Jews, she didn’t hesitate to take action, even though doing so put her life at risk. Her famous words, “If I perish, I perish,” reflect her deep courage and trust in God’s sovereignty.
Another key triumph was Esther’s wisdom and strategy. Rather than confronting the king impulsively, she invited him and Haman to a series of banquets. This gave her the time and opportunity to present her request wisely and gain favor with the king. Esther’s example shows us the importance of patience and wisdom in difficult situations.
One of the most profound lessons we learn from Esther is found in Mordecai’s words to her: “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). This powerful statement reminds us that God places us in specific positions and circumstances for a purpose. Esther’s decision to embrace her role as queen, despite the danger, fulfilled her divine purpose in God’s plan.
Esther’s Legacy
Esther’s legacy is one of courage, faith, and divine purpose. Her boldness saved an entire nation from destruction and preserved the Jewish people, through whom the Messiah would one day come. Her story is still celebrated by Jews during the festival of Purim, which commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman’s plot.
Esther’s legacy also teaches us about the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it’s difficult or dangerous. She could have chosen to remain silent and protect herself, but instead, she used her influence for the greater good. Esther’s story challenges us to consider how we can use the positions we’ve been given—whether in our families, communities, or workplaces—to bring about justice and help others.
If Esther were alive today, I believe she would be a woman of great influence, using her voice to stand up for those who are oppressed or marginalized. She would likely be an advocate for justice, leading with grace and wisdom while trusting God’s plan in every situation.
Applying Esther’s Story to Our Generation
Esther’s story speaks powerfully to us today. Many of us find ourselves in situations where we have influence or the opportunity to make a difference, but fear can hold us back. Esther’s life reminds us that courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to act despite it. She teaches us to trust in God’s timing and to believe that He has placed us where we are for a reason.
Her story also encourages us to stand up for others, especially when we see injustice. In a world where it’s easy to remain silent, Esther’s example shows us the importance of using our voice and influence to bring about change, even if it comes at a personal cost.
What We Can Learn from Esther
From Esther, we can mirror her courage to step into difficult situations with faith. Her willingness to risk her life for her people shows us the power of selflessness and sacrifice. We can also follow her example of patience and wisdom, using strategy and discernment when facing challenges.
Esther’s story also teaches us to trust in God’s divine timing and purpose. Like her, we may find ourselves in situations that seem overwhelming, but her story reminds us that we are placed in these moments “for such a time as this.” God can use our unique positions to bring about His plans, even when we can’t see the bigger picture.
Does Your Story Mirror Esther’s?
Have you ever found yourself in a position where you had the chance to make a difference, but it required great courage or sacrifice? Like Esther, maybe you’ve been placed in a situation where your voice or actions could impact others for good. How does her story inspire you to step into your own God-given purpose? I’d love to hear how Esther’s story resonates with your life and what lessons you’ve drawn from her journey.
As we continue Walking with the Women in the Bible, I’m excited to explore more of the powerful legacies these women have left behind. Each story offers us a new perspective on faith, courage, and the way God works through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.
Key Verses from Esther’s Story:
Esther 4:14 – Mordecai’s famous words, “For such a time as this”
Esther 4:16 – Esther’s bold declaration, “If I perish, I perish”
Esther 7:3-4 – Esther’s plea to the king to save her people
I hope Esther’s story has inspired you to embrace your own purpose and to step into moments of courage, knowing that God has placed you where you are for a reason. Stay tuned for our next post in Walking with the Women in the Bible as we continue exploring the lives of these incredible women!
