Strong Sister

"Esther: Strength in the Face of Adversity"

Esther 4:13-15 New International Version 13 he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 14 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.

As we look at what it takes to be a STRONG SISTER while on the battlefield – I would like to offer a gentle reminder of a story in the bible of a woman who had to be STRONG even when the odds were stacked against her.

In essence – she had to make a choice in the midst of adversity to either stand strong or allow fear and uncertainty to keep her stuck. There are times in our lives when the only choice we have as we continue to pursue holiness in God – is to gird ourselves up, dress for battle and stand STRONG – even when all we see in the natural is uncertainty or even defeat!

Esther's courage to remain STRONG in the face of difficult circumstances demonstrated her faith, courage, and trusting in God’s timing, even when things seemed overwhelming. Can we relate?

Let’s look at STRONG Defined:

· having the power to move heavy weights or perform other physically demanding tasks

· able to withstand great force or pressure

As we look at the backstory of Esther – we see she was a:

Jewish woman that became queen of Persia who lived in a foreign land, under a king who didn’t know God, facing a threat to her people (the Jewish nation) that seemed insurmountable.

Continuing in the story we clearly see God’s hand in the midst in many ways – although he was not mentioned 1 time in the entire book! Are we able to remain strong when we can’t see Him??? Even when we can’t trace Him? And when our situation and/or circumstances just don’t make any sense? Things don’t seem fair? Right? Or even just? These are all questions we must ask ourselves as we strive to stay strong in battle.

In reading the book of Esther – we can identify ways that God divinely orchestrated the entire story! How?

1. God demonstrated his Sovereignty in Unseen Circumstances

Even though God’s name is never explicitly mentioned in the book of Esther, His providence is evident. Esther’s rise to the position of queen was no accident; God was orchestrating events behind the scenes. She found favor in the eyes of the king which positioned her to go into battle from the very beginning. This reminds us that - In our own lives, even when we can't see God working or when He seems silent, we can trust that He is still in control.

Do you know that you are NEVER alone??? God has already orchestrated the beginning and end for each of us – including the battles – all he needs us to do it suit up and fight from the place of victory as it has already been won!!

2. Esther's Courage to Take Action and properly prepared to go into battle!

When Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews was revealed, Mordecai urged Esther to approach the king and plead for her people, even though it could cost her life. Esther could have remained silent, but instead, she chose to act. Scripture shows where Mordecai says “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?"

In essence, Mordecai was saying to Esther, “Don’t you see that God has placed you in this situation at this time in history so you can have tremendous kingdom impact???

If Esther chose to keep silent – relief and deliverance was still going to come but from another place!

We have all been in a place where we can easily Imagine and understand how fearful Esther must have felt. Approaching the king without being summoned could mean death, yet she chose to risk it all to save her people. Strength isn't the absence of fear but the willingness to do what is right in the face of it. We, too, are called to trust God and take courageous steps in difficult situations.

3. Prayer and Fasting: The Source of Esther’s Strength

Scripture: Esther 4:16 – “Go, gather together all the Jews...and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do." Before Esther took any action, she asked for prayer and fasting. This shows that her strength wasn’t in her own abilities but in relying on God. When we are facing trials, prayer and seeking God’s guidance should be our first response, not our last resort. Our strength comes from aligning ourselves with God’s will and trusting in His power.

4. Esther’s Victory and Deliverance

Esther’s boldness led to the salvation of the Jewish people. Her willingness to trust in God’s plan and step out in faith resulted in not just her own victory but the deliverance of an entire nation. God can use the strength we show in hard times not only to bless us but to bless those around us. When we stand firm in faith, we can become vessels for God’s greater purposes. The Lord works everything out in agreement with the purpose of his will!

Reflect on areas of your life where you may be facing tough circumstances.

Who are the "Mordecais" in your life pushing you to stand firm in faith? What situations is God calling you to act in, even though it may seem risky or overwhelming?

Seek God’s will in your challenges and FIGHT to find strength in Him, just as Esther did!

Like Esther, we are not in situations by accident. God has placed us where we are "for such a time as this."