Handling Tough Situations

In the story of Esther, there’s a moment of profound courage and divine providence that teaches us what it means to live and act by faith as we handle tough situations.

By the time we reach Esther 7:3, the king has already asked Esther three times to share her wish and request. From the king’s perspective, there’s no guarantee she will ever speak up. But we, as readers, understand this moment is different. We know it's time. Why? Because of what unfolded in chapter 6.

The king couldn’t sleep. In the middle of the night, he asked for the royal chronicles to be read and "happened" to hear the account of Mordecai—Esther’s cousin—saving his life. Then, as divine timing would have it, Haman walked in with a plan to honor himself. The king instead ordered him to honor Mordecai, unaware of the deeper implications. God was already moving behind the scenes, orchestrating every detail.

But Esther didn’t know that.

Esther Acted by Faith

So how did she know the time was right? She didn’t… not by sight.

She knew by faith.

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." — Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)

Faith is inherently connected to the future, to the unseen, to the unknown. And who holds the unknown? God does. He is outside time, yet perfectly sovereign within it. And in that truth, Esther placed her trust.

Here’s what Esther teaches us about walking by faith:

1. Faith Trusts God’s Timing

Esther was not rushing or delaying out of fear. She waited on the Lord, releasing control of time and leaning into God’s plan.

2. Faith Rejects Self-Reliance

She didn’t depend on her beauty, position, or cleverness. She fasted. She prayed. She called others to do the same. She depended entirely on God.

3. Faith Moves in Courage

Despite the risks, Esther approached the king uninvited (which could mean death). She spoke carefully and strategically, using language that echoed Haman’s evil edict—language the king may have missed, but Haman did not.

Esther’s Petition Wasn't Just Personal

When Esther finally revealed her identity and made her request, she didn’t focus on herself alone. She said:

“Let my life be granted me for my wish, and my people for my request.” — Esther 7:3

She stood not only for her own survival but for God’s people. Her petition was an act of solidarity, not self-preservation. That’s spiritual maturity: caring more for the people of God than for personal gain.

This echoes the legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a theologian who returned to Nazi-controlled Germany despite the danger. He stood with God's people in their suffering—and ultimately gave his life doing so. Esther’s courage belongs to this same lineage of faithful witnesses.

Spirit-Led Silence, Spirit-Led Boldness

Esther’s silence was not fear-driven; it was Spirit-led. She waited not out of hesitation but in obedience. And when the time came, she spoke with clarity, strength, and grace. God had aligned everything perfectly—she just needed to follow by faith.

What Can We Take From This?

Here’s one key takeaway:

Never hesitate to identify with Christ—especially in suffering.

Jesus identified with us on the cross. He bore our sins. And He calls us to stand with Him even when it’s uncomfortable, even when it costs us something.

Jesus said:

“Whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.” — Matthew 10:33

When we stand with Christ in hardship, we declare to the world—and to our circumstances—that we are not afraid. Not of rejection. Not of loss. Not even of death. Because we belong to Him.

Final Word

Esther reminds us that faith is not passive. It waits, yes—but it also acts, moves, and speaks when the time is right.

So let us be people of faith:

• Trusting in God’s timing,

• Rejecting our own strength,

• And standing boldly with Christ and His people.

By faith, Esther changed history.

What could God do through your faith?