The Esther Challenge - Day 4

Hi Woman of God

What a day I’ve had! It started as a slow morning - I woke up bright and early, led prayers with the ladies in my community as we do every morning, and spent time studying Esther chapter 4. But before I could send today’s email, some plans changed and I ended up spending the rest of the day viewing potential venues in London with my fiancé for our wedding next year.

I’m now home and can share my takeaways from today’s chapter of Esther. How did you find today? I hope you are receiving wisdom from these powerful chapters.

Let’s get into it.

SCRIPTURE

Proverbs Chapter 4 (the chapter as a whole with emphasis on verses 11, 14 and 16)

OBSERVATION

In this chapter, Mordecai and the Jews react with great mourning after the decree for their destruction is issued by the king. Esther, unaware of the decree, learns about it through her servant and sends word to Mordecai. He urges her to go before the king and plead for their people, but Esther hesitates because approaching the king uninvited could result in death (verse 11). Mordecai challenges her with a powerful truth: if she remains silent, deliverance will come from another place, but perhaps she was placed in her royal position “for such a time as this” (verse 14). Moved by this, Esther embraces her calling, instructing the Jews to fast for three days before she risks her life to approach the king, saying, “If I perish, I perish” (verse 16).

Key observations from Esther 4:

1. Many miss the call on their lives because of obedience to fear (Verse 11)

   • Esther initially hesitates to approach the king, fearing for her life. This shows how fear can hold us back from stepping into our God-given assignments. Can you imagine if Esther had refused to go before the king about this matter due to her (understandable) fear? We would not be studying her as a case study for what it means to be a woman of God. She would not be the symbol of honour that she is today… all because of fear. It is a dangerous and deadly thing to live in fear. A woman of God must decide to live by faith, because at the other side of faith is the fulfilment of your destiny. Obedience to God requires stepping out in faith, even when the outcome is uncertain.

2. Recognising divine positioning (Verse 14)

   • Mordecai’s words remind us that God places people in specific positions for His purposes. Esther’s rise to queenship was not by accident: it was part of God's plan. This makes me meditate on the positions God has placed me in and the specific purposes He may have behind it. We must be spiritually minded about our positions and responsibilities, not taking it for granted that it is just by chance that you are in that position. Esther was appointed queen for a greater reason than she could have ever imagined… praise God she recognised this divine positioning and how God wanted to use her in that role. I pray that we see God’s positioning in our lives too.

3. Courage and sacrificial leadership (Verse 16)

   • Esther decides to risk her life for the sake of her people, showing true leadership and selflessness. Fulfilling God's plans will often require great boldness and personal sacrifice, even more so when you are called to positions of leadership. Esther took this matter to God in prayer and fasting, allowing her flesh to be crucified so that she could hear God’s leading in her spirit. There is much wisdom to be gained here of what to do when seeking answers from God on a matter. The great power of prayer and fasting.

APPLICATION

I Will Push Past Fear and Take Bold Steps of Faith

• Like Esther, I won’t let fear hold me back from stepping into what God has called me to do. I will seek to find God’s will on the matter then choose obedience, even when the outcome is uncertain.

I Will Fast and Pray Before Making Big Decisions

• Before making important decisions, I will take time to seek God’s wisdom rather than relying on my own understanding. Esther didn’t act impulsively; she prepared spiritually first through prayer and fasting. The next time I face a major decision, I will set aside dedicated time for prayer and fasting, asking God for direction before I act.

I Will Use My Influence to Stand for What’s Right

• Like Esther, I won’t remain silent when I have the opportunity to make a difference. I will use whatever influence I have - whether big or small - to stand up for truth and righteousness, whether it’s in my workplace, home, or community.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank You for the wisdom in this chapter. Help me to overcome fear and step boldly into the call You have over my life. Remind me that I am where I am for a reason, and give me the courage to act when You call me. Use my influence to stand for righteousness. Strengthen my faith, and help me to trust You completely. In Jesus' name, Amen! 🩷

See you tomorrow for Day 5 sister ✨

With my love

Tochi

P.s. if you want to have deeper Bible studies, this will help.