Courage for Difficult Times — Esther 4:13–16

**Base Text:** Esther 4:13–16 | **Preached on:** March 8, 2026 — International Women’s Day

> _”Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”_
>
> — Esther 4:14

Psalm 137 was written during the Babylonian exile. But today we return to the same historical period — the Persian Empire, a region that corresponds to present-day Iran — where God raised up a woman for a decisive moment. The story of Esther took place during one of the darkest moments in the history of God’s people: a decree of genocide had been signed. But God was working behind the scenes, as He always does.

On this International Women’s Day, we honor women not just for social achievements, but because the Bible reveals the value, dignity, and purpose that God gave to women within His redemptive work — like Deborah, Ruth, Mary, and Esther.

**Thesis: God places people in strategic positions to fulfill His purposes in critical times — and courage is born when we understand that we are exactly where He has placed us.**

### 1. Courage is born when we understand that God has placed us where we are (vv.13–14)

_”Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”_ Nothing in Esther’s life was an accident — neither being chosen queen nor being in the palace at that moment. God’s providence was leading every detail. The book of Esther is curious: God’s name does not appear explicitly. But His hand is throughout the story.

Your position — family, professional, church — is not just a privilege. It is a responsibility. God placed you there for a purpose.

### 2. Courage is strengthened in community and prayer (v.16a)

_”Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day.”_ Before acting, Esther called for collective fasting and prayer. Biblical courage is not heroic individualism — it is strength born from the community gathered before God. No one faces the Haman of their life alone.

### 3. Courage chooses faithfulness over security (v.16b)

_”When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”_ This phrase is one of the most courageous in the Bible. Esther was not sure of the outcome. But she made the choice: faithfulness over self-preservation. She understood that some strategic positions require sacrifice — and that God’s purpose is worth the cost.

> _”God’s providence is His silent but sovereign action, guiding history to fulfill His purposes.”_
>
> — John Stott

_Message preached at Ebenezer Church on March 8, 2026 — International Women’s Day._