The power of godly influence and courageous leadership supposes a world that is often characterized by negativity and cynicism. Today, it’s refreshing and inspiring to see people who use their influence and leadership for good.
» Monday, 16th January 2023 | I Stand In The Gap Daily Devotional | A The Power of Godly Influence and Courageous Leadership
Yesterday, we shared on the theme of “a journey of faith and transformation”
The daily devotional verse of today is about Esther and Mordecai’s power of Godly influence and courageous leadership. It says:
“For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
Esther 4:14
This verse is spoken by Mordecai to Esther, encouraging her to use her position as queen to speak out and save her people from destruction.
- It highlights the themes of godly influence, courageous leadership, and God’s sovereignty and providence.
- It forcefully emphasizes the urgency of the situation and the importance of Esther’s role in it and Mordecai’s guidance and encouragement.
- It also shows that Esther and Mordecai were aware of God’s purposes in their lives, and how they were to use their position for it.
Themes
- It explores how Esther and Mordecai, through their faith in God and their actions, were able to exert a powerful influence on the events of their time, leading to the salvation of the Jewish people from destruction.
- It also highlights the ways in which they displayed courage and leadership in the face of adversity and the ways in which their example can inspire and guide us in our own lives.
- Additionally, it also tackles the theme of God’s providence and sovereignty in their story, how God used them for his own purpose, and how He is still sovereign in our own lives.
Background to Esther 4:14?
Esther was a Jewish woman who became the queen of Persia during the reign of King Xerxes. At the time, a powerful official named Haman had convinced the king to issue a decree ordering the extermination of all Jews living in the Persian Empire.
Mordecai, Esther’s cousin, and guardian urges her to reveal her Jewish identity to the king and use her position as queen to intervene and save her people.
In Esther 4:14, Mordecai tells Esther that if she remains silent, the Jews will be saved by another means but she and her family will perish, and also that it is possible that she became queen for this very purpose.
Esther ultimately heeds Mordecai’s advice, reveals her identity to the king, and pleads for the lives of her people.
As a result, the king issues a new decree, and many of those who had sought to harm the Jews are punished.
- The story of Esther is a powerful reminder of the sovereignty of God, and how He uses ordinary people to accomplish His purposes in the world.
Reflection on the power of Godly influence and courageous leadership:
- The story of Esther illustrates God’s sovereignty, showing how He can use any situation for His purposes, providing comfort and reassurance to believers facing challenges in their own lives.
- It exemplifies the power of godly influence, reminding Christians to use their own positions to make a positive impact on society.
- Esther and Mordecai’s courage in the face of adversity serves as an inspiration for Christians to be courageous in standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult.
- It illustrates the power of prayer and fasting, reminding us to seek God’s guidance, protection, and wisdom in difficult situations.
- It highlights the importance of unity among God’s people, exemplifying the power of standing together in prayer and fasting to make a positive impact. It reminds Christians to come together in unity, to support and encourage one another, and to make a difference in the face of adversity.
- The story of Esther and Mordecai reminds us to be aware of God’s plan and purpose for our lives and to use our unique talents and abilities for His kingdom.
- Esther and Mordecai’s obedience and faithfulness to God serve as an inspiration for Christians to do the same, even when it is difficult or risky.
Similar verses:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
It reminds us that when we trust in God and submit to His will, He will guide us and make our paths straight.
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. 9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8-9
It emphasizes that God’s ways are above our understanding and that we should trust in His plans and not in ours.
Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father,
We come to you today, meditating on the truth found in Esther 4:14, where Mordecai tells Esther “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
We thank you for the reminder that like Esther and Mordecai, we too have been placed in positions of influence for a purpose. We thank you for the promise of your sovereignty and guidance in our lives, and for the opportunities, you give us to make a positive impact on those around us.
As we reflect on the story of Esther and Mordecai, we ask that you give us the wisdom to recognize the ways in which you are calling us to use our influence for good. Give us the courage to speak out against injustice and to stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult.
We pray for the strength to resist the temptations of this world and to live in a way that reflects your light within us. We pray for the hearts to be open to your leadership and guidance.
We also pray for the grace and strength to confess and turn away from any sins in our lives, and to trust in your forgiveness and redemption.
We pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
