Courage

Esther

A Courageous Woman

Quick Overview

King Xerxes ruled over the mighty land of Persia. When he needed a wife, his servants searched the land for the most beautiful women. They brought these women to the palace so the king could choose his bride. A woman named Esther was chosen. She was good and wise and very beautiful. But she was an Israelite. He warned her not to tell anyone she was an Israelite.

Mordecai often sat by the palace gates to hear how Esther was doing. One time, he overheard men plotting to kill the king. Mordecai warned Esther, and she told the king. Later on, a powerful man named Haman became angry at Mordecai. Haman knew that Mordecai was an Israelite, and he encouraged King Xerxes to make it legal to kill all Israelites. Esther knew this law meant that she too must die. "I will do all I can to change this," she said to Mordecai. “Even if it means that I am killed. Please ask my people to pray for me." Later on Esther approached the king saying “Dear King," said Esther. "If you are pleased with me, I beg you to spare my life. And also spare the lives of my people. If we were to be sold as slaves, I would not have bothered you, but it seems unfair that we are to be put to death.""Who dares to do this?" demanded the king."It is this cruel Haman," said Esther, pointing to her enemy. The king ordered Haman to be hung that very same day. Esther and her people were safe!

Courage for the Christian is the motivation to say and do the right thing, regardless of the consequences. We are fueled with courage because God promises to help us and save us because of what Christ has done for us! It is allowing Him to work in us with strength, power, and conviction. Because of our saving faith, we should have the response of gratitude, willing to tell others about what He has done for us and what He can do for them. Fear and trepidations will not go away, but when we lean on Him, He will give us the courage for evangelism and teaching.

Remember; Courage is crucial for sharing the faith, and teaching the truth of Christ. Jesus told us this would not be easy, that we will meet resistance. However, He will give us the faith and courage to prevail! All of these characters work together, so being courageous will be within the parameters of love, kindness, and self-control… Being courageous means not doing things stupidly or taking unnecessary chances!

Read the following verses then answer the questions below

Deuteronomy 31:6, Ezekiel 22:14, Acts 27:22, Acts 27:25, 1 Corinthians 16:13, Philippians 1:20.

Question One. How would you define Courage?

Question Two. How do I exhibit Courage in my daily life?

Question Three. What can I do to develop a better attitude of Courage?

Question Four. What can block Courage from operating from my life?

Question Five. How can I make Courage function better, stronger and faster even in times of uncertainly and stress?

Question Six. What are the things that cause you to have fear, especially with others?

Question Seven. How do fear, and being biased, counteract Courage?

Question Eight. What happens to our relationship with God and with others when we are cowardly with others, refusing to take a chance even if it hurts us?

Question Nine. When have you been filled with Courage the most?

Question Ten. In what situation did you fail to be Courageous when you should have?

Question Eleven. What issue is in your life that would improve with more Courage?

Question Twelve. Think through the steps you need to take to put Courage into action in a specific instance. Such as, how can you do something you are called to do that causes you dread, such as witnessing to a stranger? Consider how much you can grow and learn when you are willing to take a chance now and then, and how much that can influence others around you who struggle with fear!

The "I Wills" of Courage

I will not be afraid to speak the truth

I will keep a clear conscience

I will support others when they are right

I will be willing to stand alone

I will speak with humility

Let this be your prayer,

Dear God, I pray that you will give me courage to do what is right, for those that trust in you have no need to fear. Make be brave to face any danger which may now threaten me. Give me the help that you have promised to those who ask it, that I may overcome my fears and go bravely forward. Fill me with courage, that nothing which is my duty to do may be too hard for me. Let me put my trust in your power and goodness.

In Jesus name AMEN