When We Need Courage

“Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” Esther 4:14b (NLT) Whenever I read the Book of Esther, I am always so impressed with the courage that Esther showed in many ways. I especially notice it when she requested to appear before King Xerxes uninvited. In that culture, to do so could mean death. Yet she did as requested by her cousin, Mordecai. He thought that maybe there was a reason that Esther had been made queen for this very time—to help her people. She had courage, and went before the king uninvited, but the king spared her and listened to her plea. We, too, may have fears to do things that are needed, and it takes courage. Surprisingly, in the Book of Esther there is no mention of God’s name. Yet as you read through this book, you can see God’s hand in it all. What I take away from this book is that God is always present, even when life is chaotic or deeply troublesome. God is always with you. “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you” Deuteronomy 31:8 (NLT). We may think or feel that we are alone in our struggles and battles, and our hearts are heavy from the load. At times we may feel as if God is not with us or doesn’t care. Yet He is with you, and He certainly cares. He gives us the courage to keep on trusting Him, and we can rest in Him, knowing that His hand is in it all! – Myrna Kopf   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org