Esther: A Courageous Queen
- Amber Irwin
- Apr 19
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 4
OLD TESTAMENT
ESTHER 4:14
God has a divine purpose for my life.
Esther realized that while she was in a rare position to help her people, doing so would put her own life in danger. As she hesitated to take on this challenging task, Mordecai gave her this question to consider, "And who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14). Her courage to continue forward may have come from the timeless certainty that God has a plan and a divine purpose for each of us.
Camille N. Johnson said, "Esther is another beautiful example of letting God prevail. Rather than sticking with a cautious narrative of self-preservation, she exercised faith, turning herself completely over to the Lord" (Camille N. Johnson, Invite Christ to Author Your Story General Conference, October 2021). We have been taught that God is willing to make known His will for us, but that we must invite Him to do so. Are you willing to ask and then accept the answer you receive?
Consider how you can prepare to invite the Lord to become the author of your story.
See also The Faith to Ask and Then to Act by Henry B. Eyring.
ESTHER 4:16
Miracles can happen when we exercise our faith together.
In the book of Matthew we learn that "where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). Esther understood that when we unite with others to fast and pray for the Lord’s help, we invite His blessings and miracles into our lives. She instructed, "Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me...I also and my maidens will fast likewise" (Esther 4:16). What difficult things are you facing that you might want to fast and pray about? Who would you ask to join you in your fasting and prayers?
Learn more about the blessings that may come from fasting by reading The Law of the Fast by Joseph B. Wirthlin.
ESTHER 5-7
When we are on the Lord's errand, we are entitled to His help.
After the King promised Esther anything she desired, it was surprising that she chose to invite the King and Haman to a feast rather than immediately make a request on behalf of her people. However, we have been taught that “the Holy Ghost … will show unto [us] all things what [we] should do” (2 Nephi 32:5). Although her actions may have seemed strange, we can see the Lord's hand at work in them, ultimately resulting in the salvation of her people.
When we do our best and act upon the promptings we receive, the Lord will add to our efforts, even unto deliverance (1 Nephi 1:20). What blessings have you experienced as a result of following an unusual or unexpected prompting?
Find more examples in the scriptures about divine guidance. See also By Divine Design by Ronald A. Rasband and The Tender Mercies of the Lord by David A. Bednar.
CONVERSATION STARTERS
God is not mentioned in the Book of Esther, however, where do you see him in her story? Where have you seen God's hand in your story?
How can you bless the lives of others in your particular circumstances?
How do you prepare to do difficult things?
Who are your maidens?
OTHER STUDY RESOURCES
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Resources for Children.
David Butler & Emily Belle Freeman, Come, Follow Me: Story of Queen Esther Don't Miss This Podcast, 2022.
Melinda Wheelwright Brown, How to Identify & Fulfill Your Divine Purpose Like a Watered Garden Podcast | Episode 32, July 2022.
Our Turtle House, Esther Part I: Dr. Ariel Clark Silver, Follow Him Podcast, July 2022.
Our Turtle House, Esther Part II: Dr. Ariel Clark Silver, Follow Him Podcast, July 2022.
Kaytlin Jenks, Queen Esther: An Example of Faith, Courage, and Doing the Right Thing, Liahona, July 2022.
Ciro Schmeil, An Instrument in the Hands of the Lord, Liahona, July 2022.
Michael T. Ringwood, For God So Loved Us, General Conference, April 2022.
Camille N. Johnson, Invite Christ to Author Your Story General Conference, October 2021.
Thomas S. Monson, May You Have Courage General Conference, April 2009.
James E. Faust, The Virtues of Righteous Daughters of God, General Conference, April 2003.
Mary Ellen W. Smoot, For Such a Time as This, General Conference, October 1997.
John H. Vandenberg, My Brother's Keeper, General Conference, April 1971.
PERSONAL STUDY IDEAS
Seek to deepen your trust in the Lord.
D. Todd Christofferson, Our Relationship with God General Conference, April 2022.
Michalyn Steele, Choose to Trust the Lord BYU Speeches, June 2019.
Bonnie H. Cordon, Trust in the Lord and Lean Not General Conference, May 2017.
Study to understand the power of fasting.
Henry B. Eyring, Is Not This the Fast That I Have Chosen? General Conference, April 2015.
ACTIVITIES
Learn about the joyous Jewish holiday Purim.
Purim is a holiday that celebrates the bravery of Queen Esther and the survival of the Jews. It is a fun event with some amazing traditions. Learn more about this wonderful event by conversing with your local Jewish community.