When Queen Vashti refused the request of the Persian king Ahasuerus to display herself to his guests, Esther was one of many young women brought to the palace for the king to choose Vashti’s replacement.

Esther’s uncle, Mordecai, raised her after her parents died. He told her not to reveal her ethnic background. When Esther eventually appeared before the king, he “loved Esther more than all the women, and she obtained favor and kindness in his sight more than all the virgins” (Esther 2:17). In love with her beauty, poise, and character, Ahasuerus made her his new queen.

Haman, the king’s most trusted advisor, made a plot to kill Mordecai and the Jews, Esther’s people. Mordecai informed Esther of this. “If you remain silent now,” he said, “relief and deliverance will come to the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Who knows if you haven’t come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14).

Esther said, “if I perish, I perish.”

She courageously went to ask the king to save her people, and the King did. Thus, Esther saved her people from a plot to kill them.

God calls you to make a big difference, just as Esther did in her time. You can face formidable challenges with the great courage Jesus puts inside you.

Yes, you can do everything through Christ who gives you strength.