Today’s Bible Verse

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. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?

Esther 4:14 (NIV)

Courage

What are character traits? Character traits are defined as the individual qualities or attributes that make up a person’s overall character. Every person possess many different character traits. Today, let’s look at Esther, and one of her most well known character traits. And that character trait is courage.

The type of courage I am talking about is moral courage. It is the kind of courage described the story of Esther. It is the kind of courage that exposes you to ridicule, criticism, and the judgment. Esther is a great example of how costly it is to be courageous. When the opportunity came to either show up or shy away, Esther rose to the occasion in order to save her people.

We will all come face to face with similar times in life where risk and fear confront us head on. The Bible tells us many times to “fear not” because God knows every day there will be an opportunity for fear to make us crawl under the bed, hide in the closet, and retreat from the battle. Following God and His Word takes courage and a decision to move out of our comfort zones. It is easy to say we will be courageous but taking that first step when things are uncertain can be difficult. 

The first step of courage is always to just show up. Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just to have the courage…to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. There will come times in your life when you have to decide and decide quick what is first in your life and who is first in your life. When you have to decide if you are going to do the right thing or the wrong thing, your thing or God’s thing. Are you going to be courageous? Are you going to show up? (Pastor Pattie Eselu)

An Uncommon Life

In the face of adversity, be courageous. In the face of fear, be courageous. In the face of uncertainty, be courageous. 

God will equip you with all you need to courageously live out your God-given purpose. Like Esther, who rose up to speak on behalf of the Jews, God is calling us to rise and take our place. With courage and boldness, step out and obey God. Your courage to follow God will bless others as you fulfill your purpose with boldness.

Today’s Declaration

Dear Lord, I want to be bold and courageous like Esther. When opportunities come my way to show courage, please help me to stand strong and not be fearful. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading

• Old Testament: 2 Samuel 3-4; Psalms 108
• New Testament: Mark 14:1-11; 2 Corinthians 12:11-21