I love Esther's story! She's a strong and courageous woman - who didn't really set out to be strong or courageous. I think that's why I like her so much. We don't really set out to be strong, courageous, or bold - but sometimes following God demands strength, courage, and boldness whether we planned on it or not!
This past Sunday during the children's moment, I spoke with the kids about making choices. They absolutely cracked me up. I asked them to make a choice between pizza and Brussels sprouts - that got an obvious response. Vacation at the beach or the mountains - I got a few of each. But then I asked them to chose between spending another hour playing or helping their parents with a project around the house. Bless their hearts, they all said "Help my parents!" I managed to catch a couple of their parents eyes and we all had to laugh. That's an easy choice to make on Sunday morning - those kids knew the "right" answer. Reality? Yeah, they probably will chose the play a bit more... I wonder how many parents tried that out Sunday afternoon? Hmm...
Esther had to make a hard choice between standing up for her people (God's people) or staying safe in the palace. She stood up for God's people even though it meant facing death. We don't always make life or death decisions for God - but as I told the kids on Sunday, we face a decision every day about whether or not we will follow God. Each day we get to make a choice, "Will I glorify God today? Will I follow Jesus today?" Esther made her choice.
Join us on July 20 at 9:45 am as we spend some more time with Queen Esther!
