Nine-year-old Eileen approached a pack of older boys in a schoolyard. They were beating an autistic student who was lying on the ground curled up in the fetal position. She asked the bullies to stop hurting the other student. The boys did stop, but only to push Eileen to the ground, where they cursed at her and stepped on her before fleeing. The local autism center later honored Eileen and said, “She defended this boy because of her courage.”
Eileen’s courage reminds me of Esther’s bravery. Esther was a Jew and a queen whose people faced the danger of annihilation (Esther 3:8-11). Her cousin Mordecai urged her to speak to the king to try to stop the persecution, telling her that “perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this” (Esther 4:14).
There was just one problem. The king’s court was off-limits to anyone he had not summoned. An uncalled visitor would be “doomed to die unless the king [held] out his golden scepter” (Esther 4:11). The king hadn’t called for Esther in a month, so approaching him meant possible death. Still, Esther risked everything for her people, saying, “If I must die, I must die” (Esther 4:16).
Interestingly, Esther’s brave act came after some spiritual preparation. She asked Mordecai and her people to fast for 3 days and committed herself and her servants to the same discipline (Esther 4:16).
When God calls us to defend the disadvantaged or to speak out in favor of His goodness, we can prepare our hearts for the occasion by humbling ourselves, praying, and seeking God’s face (2 Chronicles 7:14). He’s the source of true strength who prepares us for specific tasks (Psalm 59:17). Let’s follow His lead today!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Esther 5:1-14
More:
Look up Psalm 59:6-10 to see how God goes before us as we face trying times.
Next:
Esther risked her life to defend her people. What, if anything, might be worth such a risk in your own life? How can you help the needy and powerless in your sphere of influence?
Tom Felten on May 6, 2014 at 10:48 am
Jennifer, thanks so much for sharing Eileen’s story. What a courageous young girl! And Esther’s brave ways have always inspired me. Her example of seeking God in prayer and then leaving her life in His hands is such a profound and important thing to grasp. May we courageously serve Jesus today!
jennifer benson schuldt on May 6, 2014 at 10:26 pm
Tom,
Thanks for your comment. This devotional came on an odd day. As you may know, my daughter has some severe food allergies. Today was our “trial run” day in preparation for next year. Everyone at the school was really kind and caring. The day went well as a result of God’s grace and answered prayers.
As I was thinking about my daughter, I was thinking about other kids who share the same issue, or who have other types of disabilities. I felt compassion well up in my heart. Praise God that the struggles and problems in our lives have meaning! When we need to receive help from others we are humbled. And, we are more willing to lend a hand to others in need.