Stand up, stay strong
- April Ross
- Oct 7, 2024
- 2 min read
“When the world is pulling you one way, take it to God. God will show you ways to speak your faith to those around you.”
“If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 NLT
I love the story of Esther. A beautiful young woman, hand-picked by the king to become his bride, and also saves her whole nation from death… it’s a real life Cinderella story! I loved dressing up and pretending I was her as a kid (yep, every Halloween).
Esther had to stand up for her faith, even though doing so may have killed her. She knew the consequences but was willing to step up, stay strong and fight for her beliefs.
Just like Esther, we need to stand strong and know that our voice and actions matter. We have a responsibility as Jesus-following women to show our family, friends, and nonbelievers what faith in God can do. One of my favorite quotes comes from Alexander Hamilton. He said, “Those who stand for nothing fall for everything.” I don’t want to be wishy-washy with God or the people around me. I want to stand up and step up to the issues of this world. When the world is pulling you one way, take it to God. God will show you ways to speak your faith to those around you.
For perhaps you were made for such a time as this! God put you on this earth with a gift and purpose to advance his kingdom. So put on your royal garb and tell all how God has blessed and saved you.
Action steps:
Diving into God's word every day is so important for our lives, it gives us wisdom, peace, and strength in all situations. Set a time each day to read the Holy Bible.
Look for opportunities to speak out about what God has done for you, through the good and bad times of life.
Serve in Christian and non-Christian areas of your community. Let others see Jesus through you.
Dear God, help us stand up for what we believe in. Give us the words to say, when others try to bring us down. Guide our hearts and minds back to Your words of truth each time we are confronted with opposition. Thank You, God, that no problem we face in life is too difficult for You. You are in full control of what is happening, and You have a perfect plan for our lives. In Your Heavenly name, Amen.
Interesting facts about the book of Esther
The name of God isn’t mentioned throughout the whole book.
Her Jewish name was Hadassah
Esther means Star
Jews still celebrate Esther’s bravery each year at Purim-a Jewish holiday where they dress up in costumes, give each other gifts and help those in need.
Written by April Ross - mom of 3