Lessons from Esther: Courage, Faith, and Living with Purpose

I don’t know about you, but I absolutely love the story of Esther. As a mom and as a woman, there’s so much we can learn from her life. Esther was a young Jewish girl who was taken from her home, placed in a palace, and eventually became the queen of Persia. Her story is one of courage, purpose, and unwavering faith.

When I think about what she went through and how she handled the challenges life threw her way, I realize there’s so much for us to take away from her journey. We all go through seasons of uncertainty, fear, and self-doubt, but Esther shows us how to face those moments with grace, trust, and the kind of courage that can only come from God.

Courage in the Face of Fear

One of the things I love most about Esther is her courage. She didn’t just step into her role as queen and forget about her people, she had to make some really tough choices. The most powerful one? Risking her life to speak up for the Jewish people when no one else would. At that moment, she could’ve chosen fear. She could’ve stayed quiet and stayed safe. But instead, she chose to step out in faith, trusting that God had placed her in that position for a reason.

As moms, we are often faced with situations where courage is required. It’s easy to let fear take the wheel—whether it’s standing up for our kids, making a big decision, or even stepping into new roles we never imagined for ourselves. Esther shows us that courage doesn’t mean we’re fearless. It means we trust God enough to take the step forward, even when we’re scared. We don’t have to have all the answers, we just need to trust that God will guide us.

Purpose in the Waiting

Esther’s journey wasn’t an overnight thing. Before she ever had the chance to speak up for her people, she spent years living in a palace, unsure of what God’s plan was for her. She was in a waiting season, one that must’ve felt frustrating and full of questions. I can imagine she had moments of wondering, “Why am I here? What is my purpose?”

And yet, God was preparing her in those quiet years, even when she couldn’t see it. Just like Esther, we all go through seasons of waiting. Maybe it’s waiting for an opportunity, waiting for answers, or even waiting for God to open a door we’ve been praying about. But Esther teaches us that even in the waiting, God is working. You may not see it now, but He is preparing you for something bigger. He has a purpose for this season, even if it feels like you’re stuck or unsure of the next step.

Faith and Obedience in God’s Timing

Esther didn’t rush in and act without seeking God’s guidance. She knew the stakes were high. Before making her big decision, she fasted and prayed for wisdom, trusting that God’s timing was everything. She didn’t act on her own, and I think that’s such a powerful reminder for us today.

As women, it’s easy to feel like we have to do everything on our own, especially when we’re juggling a hundred things at once. But like Esther, we need to trust God’s timing and His plan for us. When we take a moment to pause, pray, and seek His direction, He will lead us in the right way. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

Using Our Voice for Good

Esther’s story also teaches us about the power of using our voice for good. She didn’t stay quiet when her people needed her. She spoke up, even though it put her life at risk. And in the end, her voice changed the course of history.

As moms and women, we can sometimes forget the impact of our words and actions. We may feel like our voice doesn’t matter, but the truth is, our words have power. Whether we’re speaking up for our kids, our families, or standing up for what’s right, we have a responsibility to use our voices. Just like Esther, we can make a difference by speaking up when it matters most.

Trusting God with Our Future

At the end of the day, Esther didn’t know what the outcome would be, but she trusted God with her future. She stepped out in obedience and trusted that He would handle the rest. And guess what? He did. God not only protected her, but He used her in a mighty way to save her people.

As moms, we often worry about the future. We worry about our kids, our families, and whether we’re making the right decisions. But Esther’s story reminds us that when we trust God with our future, He will guide our steps. We don’t have to have it all figured out—we just have to trust that He will take care of us along the way.

Lord, thank You for the example of Esther and for showing us how to step out in courage, faith, and obedience. Help me to trust Your timing and Your plan for my life, and give me the strength to use my voice for good. When I feel uncertain or afraid, remind me that You have a purpose for me in every season of life. I trust You to guide my steps, just like You did for Esther. In Jesus’ name, Amen.