Speaking Up Takes Courage: Esther 3-5
During the reign of Queen Esther, King Ahasuerus promoted Haman to be his highest-ranking official in his government. Haman was a descendent of the Amalakites who were long time enemies of the Jews. The king's law required that people bow, kneel, and show respect for Haman in his new position. As he would enter or exit the king’s gate Haman’s servants noticed that Mordecai would not bow or kneel down to Haman. They told Haman that Mordecai would not obey the law even though they had told him to do so many times.
Haman became enraged and wanted to harm Mordecai, but finding out that he was a Jew, decided that he would rather destroy all the Jews living in Persia. He devised a plan and told the king that there were certain people living throughout Persia who had their own laws and did not obey the king’s commandments. He asked the king to decree that this group of people be destroyed and he said that he would pay ten thousand talents of silver (750,000 pounds at $24 per ounce today= $ 288 million) to the king’s treasury. The king agreed and on the 13th day of the first-month notices of this decree were sent throughout the provinces. On the 13th day of the twelfth month all Jews, including women and children would be killed and all of their possessions would be confiscated.
When the Jews found out they mourned, fasted, wept, wailed, and laid in sackcloth and ashes. Mordecai sent a message to Esther to go before the king and ask him to reverse the decree. Esther responded that she could be killed because she has not been summoned in over thirty days. Mordecai replied that if she kept silent, deliverance would come from another source, but she would not be saved. He said, “who knows whether you are in this royal position for such a time as this?”
Esther instructed Mordecai to have the people fast for three days and three nights with no food or water. She and her maids would do the same. With courage, she told Mordecai that she would go to the king, which is against the law, and stated “if I perish, I perish!”
From orphan to queen, Esther lived a privileged life of wealth and luxury. God had given her favor and placed her in a unique position. She had a choice, to remain silent or risk her life to plead for her people’s safety. She was willing and did not cower to fear.
God has a unique plan for your life and sometimes He puts you in a place that will make a difference in the lives of others. The choice is always yours, but you are never alone. “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Personal Development Tip Of The Week: “Speak Up!”
Have you ever felt afraid to speak up about what you want or voice your opinion on a matter? We all have at some point due to fear of being judged or rejected.
Remember, FEAR is (false, evidence, appearing, real). It’s okay to feel hesitant about speaking up due to what the outcome might be but the way we overcome this fear is to feel the fear and do it anyway. How many times have you felt fearful about something that never happened? Too many times for me to count, we have all been there.
What you have to remember is that the things we are fearful of hardly ever end up happening and what’s the worst thing that could happen from speaking up? You get rejected, you get judged? Rejection is a part of life and we become stronger Christians the more we learn how to handle and overcome rejection and or judgment.
Lastly, remember, you can’t get something you don’t ask for so the next time you feel the urge to speak up or ask for what you want, just do it. It will be okay no matter what happens.
Prayer for the week:
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for your total and complete healing over this individual and their family's life this week. Bless this individual to remember lord, that no weapon formed against them shall prosper. If they are facing any sickness or illness remember that you are not sick or ill trying to get well but are well individuals fighting off sickness and illness. You are our redeemer lord and you can heal us from any attack from the enemy. I pray that this individual has an amazing week ahead in Jesus name Amen!
-Dayne
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Week 5: Speaking Up Takes Courage