This post is adapted from Esther: Daring Faith for Such a Time as This by Kelly Minter. Learn more about this Bible study.

The view from my back porch used to include three giant Leyland Cypresses, a towering Oak, and half a Hackberry Tree. The scenery was lush. That is, until one December evening when a hard freeze killed everything. The one pleasant surprise, however, is that I can now see a grand and gorgeously coiffed tree, one with multiple branches fanning outward in near perfect symmetry and crowned with a healthy head of thick, summer-green hair. The pre-existing foliage had obscured my view of this near perfect Maple. In this case, I hadn’t been able to see the tree for the forest.

Sometimes, the removal of certain obstacles or distractions, even healthy activities, can sharpen our perspective. Suddenly, what we couldn’t see before now towers in front of us with unmistakable clarity.

This reminds me of the book of Esther. For centuries, the book of Esther has been a favorite. It’s enthralled us with its gripping story about a vulnerable, young Jewish girl turned queen of the Persian Empire. Esther, a literal beauty queen, possessed more than physical splendor. Her rich character and unflinching resolve, traits that developed over time, are an inspiration to us all. In many respects, Esther is the heroine we hope lives inside us. Hers is the against-all-odds, rags-to-riches story we cherish. Who doesn’t want to know that our lives matter, that God has a purpose and a plan for us, even when—especially when—life doesn’t look the way we thought it would?

For the longest time, I thought the book of Esther was primarily about Esther’s heroic bravery on behalf of her people. And certainly, this is no small detail. But the book is about far more. It is ultimately a story about God and His covenant faithfulness to His people—no matter where they find themselves. This is most clearly on display during one of the book’s most pivotal moments, when Esther learns of the king’s approval of a plan to annihilate the Jews, her people (Esther 3).

In Esther 4:4-12, we learn Esther was overwrought with fear in response to the news, and I appreciate this detail because it reminds us that she is human. Even queens get scared. Back and forth, from palace to court, short messages flew between Esther and Mordecai, like modern text messages. For the first time in the story, we hear directly from Esther (v. 11). She explains that approaching the king means putting her Jewish identity on display and her very life in jeopardy.

We don’t have to make too big of a leap to see the connection to our own day. How easy it is to keep quiet about our faith in Christ among our colleagues, neighbors, and friends. And yet, will we really serve a Savior with whom we have not yet publicly identified? Will we stand up for our church community when no one knows we’re even a part of it?

Certainly, Esther’s situation was extreme. It is unlikely that any of us will be forced to put our lives on the line for an entire people group. Yet, how often do we resist speaking up for our faith for fear of our reputations? We’re afraid that if we tell our neighbors and coworkers we are followers of Jesus we will be lumped in with religious fanatics or the intellectually weak, thrown into a certain political party, or just labeled a strange ranger. The stakes are higher for some: the loss of a job or professional opportunity, maligned character, or an uncomfortable situation for one’s children. The costs are real, and more so by the day.

But sometimes it is these very risks that define the edges of our faith. When compromise is easy to come by, our faith can lose its definition. But when our work, child’s school, or social status in the neighborhood comes into direct conflict with being obedient to God’s Word, we’re suddenly forced to choose. Will we blend in or take a stand? This was the question for Esther, and it’s the question for Christ followers today.

You and I have the opportunity to talk about the hope we’ve found in Jesus! Yes, some will dismiss what we have to say, but many are longing for Jesus in their lives. Let’s not hold back. We may be afraid, but so was Esther, yet fear didn’t stop her.

I’ve been praying that God would give me natural opportunities to speak about Him without forcing Him into conversations. He has been answering this prayer. Boldness for Christ doesn’t necessarily mean extremely awkward situations or risk of reputation. It may mean those things, but for most of us being a witness for Him is simply a matter of letting our true identity be known—that we love Jesus and follow Him. As we do this, our conversations (as well as the way we walk through life’s joys and trials) will naturally testify to His love, authority, and power in our lives.

Just as Esther was determined to stand up for her people, may you and I stand up for Christ and His church with love, truth, and grace.

Discover how Esther’s story inspires us to live faithfully and courageously in our own time with Esther: Daring Faith for Such a Time as This, a 7-session Bible study by Kelly Minter.

Kelly Minter is passionate about God’s Word and believes it permeates all of life. The personal healing and steadfast hope she’s found in the pages of Scripture fuel her passion to connect God’s Word to our everyday lives. When she’s not writing or teaching, you can find her tending her garden, taking a walk with friends, cooking for her nieces and nephews, riding a boat down the Amazon River, or walking through a Moldovan village with Justice & Mercy International. Kelly is also working on her M.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies at Denver Seminary.