This document discusses the biblical story of Esther and draws parallels to encourage speaking up for one's faith. It notes that Esther was young and reluctant but faced a choice to either risk death by going to the king or do nothing and face certain death later. Similarly, it encourages readers facing decisive moments to appeal to God for strength first before appealing to people in authority, as Esther prepared herself before speaking to the king. The overall message is one of empowering readers to boldly live out their faith.

2. Esther
God’s people were facing annihilation
✲ Mordecai refused to bow
✲ Haman was furious, Est. 3:5
✲ He decided to destroy the Jews, Est. 3:13
✲ Haman & king had drinks, Est. 3:15
✲ Capital in chaos, Est. 3:15

3. Esther
God was working through Esther
To deliver the Jews

4. Esther
What is God working out in your life?
✲ Young
✲ Woman
✲ Reluctant

5. Esther

6. Esther
Esther reluctant because of
consequences, Est. 4:11
✲ Death
✲ Rejection, Jn. 9:17-23
✲ Ridicule, Acts 17:29-32
✲ Loss of respect, 1 Pt. 4:4

7. Esther
If silent, you are already “dead”
✲ Created in Christ to act, Titus 2:11-14
✲ Receive strength in Christ, Phil. 4:13
✲ Speak boldly, Acts 4:24-31; Phil. 1:19-21

8. Esther
Esther had a simple choice
✲ Go to Xerxes now & risk immediate death
− Or deliverance of the Jews
✲ Do nothing & face certain death – later
✲ For us…
◇ Speak up & face possible rejection now
◇ Be silent & face certain rejection later,
Mk. 8:34-38

9. Esther
Mordecai believed in God’s providence,
Est. 4:14
✲ Non-miraculous working of God
✲ Seemingly unrelated events
that lead to a decisive moment
✲ Joseph

10. Esther
Trace Esther’s life to this point
✲ Orphaned
✲ Raised by cousin – worked at king’s gate
✲ Vashti refused king’s command
✲ King’s advisers – remove the queen
✲ 3 years later – advised to gather virgins
✲ Esther included in gathering
✲ Esther gained favor with the eunuch
✲ Esther selected as queen

11. Esther
There will be a decisive moment in your life
✲ Contact with New Testament believers
✲ Take a stand against immorality
✲ Young woman – persuade…
◇ Husband
◇ Father
◇ Elders
◇ Employer
◇ Teacher

12. Esther
There will be a decisive moment in your life

13. Esther
Esther accepted the duty thrust upon
her, Est. 4:16
✲ Like Paul, Acts 26:19
✲ Appealed to the King of the Universe
before she appealed to the king of Persia!

14. Esther
Unlike the Persian monarch,
You can safely appeal to the Father,
Heb. 4:16; Lk. 18:1-8
✲ Law of death vs. Throne of mercy
✲ Fear of approach vs. command to come
✲ Doubt of desire to hear vs. eager to listen
✲ Motive of self interest vs. Your well being

15. Esther
Appeal to the Ruler of the universe –
first, Phil. 4:6, 7
✲ Strength, wisdom, success in right
✲ He has the power to overrule men