For Such A Time As This
Esther: Walking Into the Room Before You're Ready: Esther’s story shows us that courage isn’t about being ready — it’s about showing up anyway and trusting God with the outcome. When we walk in obedience, even while trembling, He meets us with favor, purpose, and unexpected redemption.
Previously… We met Esther briefly in Week 1 — a courageous queen placed in a palace for a purpose. But this week, we dive deeper. Today’s focus? That sacred, trembling moment when she walked into the throne room — uninvited, unready, and uncertain — but still showed up.
How Did She Get Here? Esther wasn’t born into royalty. She was a Jewish orphan named Hadassah, raised by her older cousin Mordecai. When Queen Vashti was removed from her royal role, King Xerxes issued a nationwide search for her replacement. Esther was taken, along with many other young women, into the king’s harem — not a romantic invitation, but a political capture. Her Hebrew name, Hadassah (meaning myrtle tree, a symbol of peace and restoration), was replaced with the Persian name Esther, meaning star. She kept her identity a secret — at Mordecai’s wise counsel — and eventually found favor with the king, who crowned her queen. She didn’t pursue a crown. She simply followed where God placed her — and He positioned her with purpose.
The Throne Room Moment “All the king’s officials... know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned, the king has but one law: that they be put to death unless the king extends the golden scepter…” (Esther 4:11) When a decree went out — thanks to the scheming of the villain Haman — to annihilate all Jews in the kingdom, Mordecai pleaded with Esther to intervene. Her people’s lives were on the line. Esther’s response? “If I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:16) ✨ Imagine the Room Let’s picture this: The Apadana, or throne room, was immense. 72 towering columns, carved with bulls and lions, loomed above. Walls glistened with lapis lazuli and gold. Armed guards stood like statues. The air smelled of oil, spices, fear, and power. And at the center — King Xerxes on a golden throne, flanked by nobles, glimmering in jewels and expectation. Esther, in full royal robes, walked in alone. Her heart surely pounded. Her steps echoed louder than the whispers in her mind. Would she die for daring to approach him? Then… the scepter lifted. “When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out the golden scepter… So Esther approached and touched the tip.” (Esther 5:2) She was received. God went ahead of her.
Her Strategy: Wisdom + Timing The king offered her anything — even half the kingdom — and she didn’t rush into her request. “If it pleases the king… let the king and Haman come today to a banquet I have prepared.” (Esther 5:4) She waited. Listened. Created space. The next day, at another banquet, she revealed the truth: “Grant me my life — this is my petition. And spare my people — this is my request.” (Esther 7:3) Esther didn’t storm the throne. She entered it with grace and strategy, a balance of courage and humility.
My Own Throne Room Moment I had mine too. I wasn’t ready to forgive someone who had done deep harm. I wanted to. I prayed about it. But I couldn’t figure out how to actually do it. I finally prayed: “God, if You want me to forgive her, You’re going to have to show me how.” And He did. I bought a blank journal. For a year, I wrote daily prayers for the woman who hurt me. Honest ones. Sometimes messy ones. But slowly, those prayers softened into compassion. I saw her pain. Her brokenness. By the end of the year, I no longer needed to carry the weight of anger. I tossed the journal into my fireplace and watched it burn. The ashes rose like my grief lifting — and my own soul being set free. Forgiveness didn’t make me weak. It made me whole. I wasn’t ready… but obedience led me there.
Brené Brown’s Take on Vulnerability “Vulnerability is not weakness. It’s our greatest measure of courage.” Esther’s walk into the throne room? That was vulnerability. And vulnerability creates closeness, connection, and transformation — not just with others, but with God. 🕊️ Scripture Spotlight “He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge.” (Psalm 91:4) I picture: A father kneeling over his children, arms shielding them. A mama bird fluffing her feathers to shelter her young. Me, arms wrapped around my grandkids, whispering, “You’re safe. I’ve got you.” That’s the God who met Esther in the throne room. And He’s the same God who meets you in your trembling moments.
Reflection Questions Have you ever stepped into something before you felt ready? What "throne room" moment are you facing right now? Where is God calling you to be obedient, even when it’s uncomfortable? Are there places in your life where you need to trust His timing? What does vulnerability look like in this season of your life?
