As a teacher in the public school system, I have often been afraid to express my beliefs about Jesus. After all, I am technically a government employee. Thus, the separation of church and state is necessary. Additionally, I have students from all different nationalities, and I wouldn’t want to offend anyone due to cultural differences. Yet my heart longs to lead others to God’s love and family. So, I have learned to lead like Esther.
Who Was Esther?
Esther, initially named Hadassah, was an orphan adopted by her cousin, Mordecai. She lived after the Babylonian exile when Persia had replaced Babylon as the ruling power. King Ahasuerus (also known by the Greek name Xerxes) held a beauty contest to replace his disobedient wife, Vashti. After six months of beautification and purification, the king chose Esther as his new queen.
Later, Mordecai refused to bow to the evil Haman, one of the king’s men. So, Hamon plotted to kill him, as well as all of the Jewish people. Mordecai then called upon Esther to save her people. He proclaimed, “And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”(Esther 4:15, ESV).
Even though it was against the law, Esther presented herself before the king at the inner court without being called. But she found favor with the king and requested that he and Haman come to a feast she had prepared. Then she waited till she had the king’s favor. And only then did she tell the king of Hamon’s evil plot to annihilate her people. This angered the king so much that he killed Hamon on the very gallows Hamon had built for Mordecai.
Esther was brave and willing to risk her safety for the sake of her people. She was also patient, yielding to God’s preparation throughout her life. This enabled her to fulfill God’s purpose at just the right time, thwarting the annihilation of her people.
How Can We Lead Like Esther?
- Be prepared: Esther submitted herself to the king’s preparation and purification process. After twelve months, she was ready to be presented to the King (Esther 2:12). Similarly, God uses His purification process to prepare us for His purpose in our lives. “In the same way that gold and silver are refined by fire, the Lord purifies your heart by the tests and trials of life” (Proverbs 17:3, TPT).
- Be brave: Esther risked her life to go to the king on behalf of her people. She knew she was the only one in a position to help (Esther 4:11).
- Rely on God: Esther prayed and fasted for three days and instructed her people to do the same. Only then did she present herself to the king (Esther 4:16).
- Be patient: Esther waited patiently for the right time and whatever God had planned for her. She went before the king only when the moment was right (Esther 5:1-2).
- Be a planner: Esther could have told the king about Haman’s plot as soon as she presented herself to him. But instead, she planned a feast. She worked out all the details and waited for the right moment. Then, when she had the king’s favor, she told the king about Hamon (Esther 5:8 and Esther 7:1-6).
- Be humble: Esther put the needs of Mordecai and her people before her own. Additionally, when she sought the king’s help, she didn’t use the power of her position. She honored the king and humbly sought him (Esther 7:3-4).
How It Looks To Lead Like Esther
As a teacher, I’ve had to be patient. I’ve waited for a child to ask questions about God or my beliefs. I strived to be humble and not use my position as a role model to dictate others’ beliefs. But instead, I’ve shared my heart and experience. Additionally, I have carefully nurtured my parental relationships and waited to establish a safe and trusting environment. Then I prayed, allowing God to prepare me, and planned when and what to say. Then, I bravely spoke the words God had placed in my heart.
Take Away
In a culture focused on self, wealth, and inclusion rather than God and truth, sharing our faith can be risky. But we can lead like Esther, being patient and allowing God to prepare us. Then, regardless of who we are, we can humbly share our hearts and invite others into God’s family and kingdom.
