(4:11) Esther's Courage - Esther risked her life by coming before the king. Her courageous act gives us a model to follow in approaching a difficult or dangerous task. Like Esther, we can do the following: (1) Calculate the cost. Esther realized her life was at stake. (2) Set priorities. She believed that the safety of the Jewish people was more important than her life. (3) Prepare. She gathered support and fasted. As a Jew, this included prayer. (4) Determine a course of action. She immediately contacted Mordecai and sought advice. (5) Move ahead boldly. She didn't hesitate or second-guess what she needed to do. She went to the king uninvited. Do you have to face a hostile audience, confront a friend on a delicate subject, or talk to your family about needed changes? Rather than dreading difficult situations or putting them off, take action with confidence by following Esther's inspiring example.

(4:13-14) Mordecai and Esther's Faith - After the decree to kill the Jews was given, Mordecai and Esther could have decided to save only themselves, or just waited for God's intervention. Instead, they saw that God had placed them in their positions for a purpose, so they seized the moment and acted. When it is within our reach to save others, we must do so. In a life-threatening situation, don't withdraw, behave selfishly, wallow in despair, or wait for God to fix everything. Instead, ask God for his direction and then act! God may have placed you where you are "for such a time as this."

(4:13) God Protects Esther - Although Esther was the queen and shared some of the king's power and wealth, she still needed God's protection and wisdom. No one is secure in his or her own strength in any political system. It is foolish to believe that wealth or position can make us impervious to danger. Deliverance and safety come only from God.

(4:14) Trusting the Lord - God is not specifically mentioned in the book of Esther, but it is obvious that Mordecai expected divine deliverance. While the book of Esther does not mention God by name or title, his presence fills the pages. Esther and Mordecai believed in God's care, and because they acted at the right time, God used them to save his people. When you face challenges in life, seek to know what God wants you to do, and then do it, confident that he will do his part. You don't know ahead of time how he will accomplish his will. Trust God and prepare to be surprised by the ways he demonstrates his trustworthiness.

(4:16) A Call to Prayer - By calling for a fast, Esther was asking the Jews to pray for God's help on her dangerous mission. In the Old Testament, serious calls to prayer often accompanied fasting (see Exodus 34:28; Deuteronomy 9:9; Ezra 8:21-23). An important function of a community of believers is mutual support in difficult times. When you are experiencing struggles, turn to fellow believers for support by sharing your trials with them and gaining strength from the bond that unites you. Ask them to pray for you. And when others need your support, give it willingly.

(4:16) Faith in the Lord - "Save your own skin" and "Watch out for number one" are mottoes that reflect our world's selfish outlook on life. Esther's attitude stands in bold contrast to this. She knew what she had to do, and she knew it could cost her her life. Yet she responded, "If I perish, I perish." We should have the same commitment to do what is right despite the possible consequences. Do you try to save yourself by remaining silent rather than standing up for what is right? At times boldness is needed. Decide to do what God wants, and trust him for the outcome.

(4:17) Acting on Our Faith - God was in control, yet Mordecai and Esther had to act. We cannot understand how both can be true at the same time, and yet they are. God chooses to work through those willing to act for him. We should pray as if all depended on God and act as if all depended on us. We should avoid the two extremes: doing nothing and feeling that we must do everything.

Dave Burnette's Life Application