An Example of Faith
One minute of inspiration for your day.
If you’ve read or heard about the book of Esther, you probably remember this verse, “…And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (4:14) Understandably, this has become a favorite verse and is quoted often, which means Esther’s answer in verse 16 tends to be overshadowed by the poeticism of Mordecai’s question.
“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”
Esther’s response is an example of what our faith should be. She didn’t try to convince someone who had the king’s ear to invite her to his presence, or to come up with some other plan that would allow her to stay safe while also rescuing the Jews. She relied solely on God’s promise to care for His people and to hear their prayers. Esther was able to trust God because she had never placed more importance on riches and status than on God, His law, and her family. Her mindset was that to perish while trusting in and being used by God was better than staying alive outside of His will.
Father, give us an eternal perspective and the boldness to act on our faith in You, rather than on faith in ourselves.
