WEEK 1: Esther- The Courage to Speak Truth
March 2 – Esther 1-9
Request: Lord, you are the way, the TRUTH, and the life. Your words are powerful and never return void. I pray that you would remind me as I go about my days that I have the power to speak life and truth and help me be mindful of the things that I am saying.
Read: Esther 1-9. I know this may seem like a lot to read, but read this as though you’re reading a story- because you are, and it’s a pretty intense one! We will break it down as the week progresses, but for right now, I just want you to get the big picture overview.
Record: Record a key verse and then write down any thoughts, new insights, or questions that stood out to you.
Respond: Write a prayer responding to God about the verse you just read. Let’s not just pick a verse and move on. Let’s interact with God about it.
Question to Ponder: What is one way you identify with Esther?
My Ponder:
What stood out to me was how quiet her demeanor was. She wasn’t loud and opinionated. She was a wallflower of sorts, so for her to stand and speak the truth was not normal or comfortable. I’m definitely like her in that way. I’m not a wallflower, but I definitely don’t like to stand and create an issue.
My verse: Esther 4:14, “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
My Response: Lord, please give me the courage to speak truth in difficult situations. Remind me that you have put me in that place and time, and situation for a reason. I ask that you would give me the courage, boldness, grace, love, and wisdom to say the truth you are asking to share.
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Popping on late as usual on a Sunday. Had a wonderful nap and walk after church!
My verse: Esther 10:3 “Mordecai the Jew became the prime minister with authority next to King Xerxes himself. He was very great among the Jews, who held him in high esteem, because he continued to work for the good of his people and to speak up for the welfare of all their descendants.”
My response: Mordecai never forgot that he was Yours, Lord! Even when it was dangerous (when he refused to bow to another human – Haman) and even when Mordecai came to power. He stayed YOURS. No matter the circumstances. Oh Father God, I want to always act like Your child – in dangerous times and in comfortable times of prosperity. Help me to always identify myself as Your child, Your servant, Yours.
My ponder on Esther: I really focused in on Esther’s careful, well-thought out movements this time around reading the book. She was not impetuous. From listening to the eunuchs at the beginning and taking their advice, to not rushing to the king without fasting for three days, to even then delaying the big moment of confrontation until she had honored the king sufficiently and prepared him for “the ask” – Esther was thoughtful, deliberate, and unrushed. SO unlike me, sadly. I tend to rush in too quickly … to want to solve everything immediately … to think it’s all urgent … sigh. I’m learning, though! It’s really better to wait and think and pray and yes, fast at times, when the situation is grave. I love how she sought good counsel first.