Building Courage
When I read Esther 7, I imagine the room tense with anticipation. Esther, dressed in royal robes, stood before her husband, King Ahasuerus, with her heart probably pounding. She was about to reveal the enemy who threatened her life and the lives of her people. Can you picture the moment? The golden light of the palace, the murmur of servants in the background, and Esther’s steady voice cutting through the air as she spoke the truth.
Esther’s courage stirs something in me—an image of my 18-month-old daughter, Lily. Watching Lily learn to climb stairs reminds me of Esther’s journey to confidence. At first, Lily hesitated, her little legs unsure, her hands gripping tightly. But after much practice (and maybe a tumble or two), she found her rhythm. Now, she climbs with boldness and joy, beaming with a confidence that is contagious.
Esther’s courage was built the same way—one decision, one prayer (who are we kidding, probably lots of prayers!), and one step at a time. She wasn’t fearless, but she trusted God more than she feared the outcome. That trust enabled her to stand before the king and plead for her people, knowing the risk but also knowing the One who held her future.
“Do not be anxious about anything…”
Philippians 4:6 reminds us to bring everything to God in prayer. As a mom, this verse hits home in unexpected ways. Picture this. It’s dinner at Chick-fil-A. My sweet toddler lets out a screech that silences the entire restaurant. My husband and I looked at each other and laugh. She keeps us humble! Moments like these—where the chaos feels overwhelming—pull me back to Philippians 4:6. I can be a lot like my sweet tantrum-throwing-toddler-girl.
Tantrums and spilled milk remind me of my own heart. How often do I react out of frustration or fear? And yet, just as I scoop up Lily in those overwhelming moments, calming her with gentle words and love, God invites me to come to Him.
It’s humbling to realize that I’m not so different from my toddler. When life feels like too much—whether it’s the weight of deadlines, a difficult conversation, or worry about my family—God asks me to bring it all to Him. He doesn’t scold or rush me. Instead, He holds me, quiets my anxious thoughts, and whispers His truth.
Confidence Through Prayer
As we read Esther 7, we see how God worked through Esther’s obedience and trust. He orchestrated every detail to expose Haman’s evil plan and protect His people. Esther didn’t act alone. She sought God’s guidance through prayer and fasting, and then she stepped out in faith.
In our own lives, Philippians 4:6 reminds us that prayer is our lifeline to the One who sees the whole picture. When we’re overwhelmed, instead of spiraling into anxiety, we’re called to bring our requests to God with thanksgiving. It’s an invitation to trade our worry for His peace, a reminder that He’s in control even when we feel out of control.
Whether you’re climbing life’s “steps” like Esther or navigating toddler tantrums (or grown-up ones), remember this: God comes through. He doesn’t always change the circumstances immediately, but He changes us.
So today, I invite you to join me. Let’s bring our fears, frustrations, and hopes to Him. Let Him hold you in His arms, calm your heart, and remind you that He is working all things for your good. Like Esther, we can stand confidently, knowing that our God is faithful.
