Esther’s Story: A Lesson in Strength and Strategy

Esther’s story is often told as one of courage, and rightly so. But what struck me most was how she handled the challenge before her. She didn’t rush in. She didn’t react out of fear. She didn’t back down, but she also didn’t move recklessly.

When she learned about Haman’s plot to destroy the Jewish people, she didn’t immediately run to King Xerxes in a panic. She knew the risk of speaking out. Approaching the king uninvited could mean death. Yet, instead of letting fear control her, she took three critical steps:

1. She prepared. Esther fasted and prayed for three days before taking action.
2. She was patient. Instead of blurting out her request immediately, she invited the king to a banquet—twice—building trust and setting the stage for the right moment.
3. She was courageous. When the time was right, she spoke up. She confronted the situation, even though the outcome was uncertain.

What This Means for Women in Mid-Life

How often do we avoid confrontation because it feels too risky? How many times have we backed down from speaking up—whether in our marriages, our friendships, our workplaces—because we were afraid of the consequences?

It’s easy to convince ourselves that avoiding hard conversations is the best route. That keeping the peace means staying silent. But Esther shows us that patience and wisdom go hand-in-hand with boldness.

There is a time to wait, and there is a time to stand up and take action.

Maybe you’ve been avoiding a tough conversation with a spouse or family member. Maybe you’re facing a career decision that feels overwhelming. Or maybe you’re dealing with a situation that just feels impossible. Whatever it is, Esther’s story reminds us:

• Don’t act out of fear, but don’t stay silent out of fear either.
• Pray, prepare, and wait for the right moment—but when the time comes, don’t back down.
• Courage doesn’t mean you won’t feel afraid; it means trusting God even when you do.

Fear and Faith Cannot Coexist

One of the most powerful lessons from Esther’s story is that fear and faith cannot exist in the same space.

We either act out of fear, or we act out of faith—there is no in-between.

When Esther first heard of Haman’s plot, fear could have easily overtaken her. She could have let the fear of rejection, the fear of failure, or even the fear of death keep her from speaking up. But instead, she chose faith. She fasted, prayed, and stepped forward despite the uncertainty.

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Fear paralyzes us. It keeps us stuck, unable to move forward because we are too focused on what might go wrong. It whispers lies like:

• “What if I fail?”
• “What if they reject me?”
• “What if this situation never changes?”

Faith, on the other hand, gives us the strength to move forward. It replaces “what if” with “even if.”

• Even if I don’t know the outcome, I will trust God.
• Even if I’m afraid, I will step forward in faith.
• Even if things don’t go as planned, God is still in control.

Faith removes fear, and fear removes faith—it’s up to us which one we choose.

Esther’s story is proof that when we operate in faith, fear loses its power. She didn’t wait until she felt brave—she acted in faith, and God gave her the strength she needed.

Where in your life is fear holding you back? Is there a decision you’re avoiding? A conversation you’re afraid to have? A change you’re hesitant to embrace?

If you’re struggling with fear, spend time in prayer, write down your thoughts, and ask God for the courage to step forward. You don’t have to have all the answers—you just have to trust the One who does.

Patience, Wisdom, and Boldness in Action

Here are some ways we can apply Esther’s approach to our own lives: