How can I stand up for what I believe in?
We’ve all been there. That cringe-making, awkward moment when we tell others we’re a Christian.
We’ve had the strange looks and the disapproving remarks – the pain of people judging us and calling us cruel names.
If you’re anything like me, our bruised pride means it’s harder to do again in future, causing us to go underground and remain silent.
The truth is that I’m scared of what others think of me and of damaging my relationships.
Why we should want to be like Queen Esther
The Book of Esther is one of my favourite stories in the Bible. A Jewish girl chosen to be queen in a foreign nation, while going underground with her Jewish identity.
Throughout the book, God’s name isn’t mentioned once, but you can see his work throughout Esther’s life and in his plan for her.
In all the little ‘coincidences’ within the plot, God is very much present.
He was there when Esther remained silent. And he was there when she finally revealed her identity to save her people – God’s people – even though it could mean her death.
Her bravery, but more importantly, God’s work through her bravery, inspires me to be more open about my faith.
Esther’s God
The next time you feel embarrassed at work talking about your faith to somebody in other people’s earshot, you can think back to Esther and how God used her bravery to bring salvation.
You can think about how God was working through her, even though he seemed far away. You can remember you have nothing to be ashamed of, and nothing to fear, because God is always with you.
If Esther could risk beheading, we can risk a few dismissive comments.
Is there anyone you know that you haven’t witnessed to yet? Is it fear and pride stopping you? My answer is ‘Yes.’
But with Esther’s God at our side, it doesn’t have to be.
Blog by Shona: A bit of a bookworm and I have a passion for writing. I want to bring glory to God in all of my writing and I hope to lead others to Christ.
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