The Faith of Esther

A beautiful new video has been released that depicts a portion of the Old Testament account of Queen Esther, and the events that led to her great act of faith.

As you may recall, not knowing that his new wife Esther was a Jew, King Ahasuerus of Persia was persuaded to approve a decree that all persons of Jewish descent should be killed. 

 After receiving correspondence from her cousin [and adoptive father] Mordecai, Esther chose to enter the king’s court without an invitation, despite the penalty of death, to plead for her people.

“…and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

I was initially disappointed this video did not show the “happy ending”. Perhaps it is assumed viewers already know the end result? Or, to encourage us to go to the source, and read the story? However, I suspect the screenplay was specifically written to leave us holding our breath with Esther. It emphasizes the suspense, and causes us to ponder the significance of her leap of faith. After all, Esther did not know her decision would receive a positive outcome. In fact, she went to the King fully aware that the likely consequence would be death. Thus, the story of Esther becomes a timeless example to each of us to have the courage to stand up for what is right, even if it might cost us our reputation, friendships, a promotion, a job, or even placing our physical safety at risk. What challenges do you face today that require courage like Esther’s? Will you have the courage to do what is right, and place the consequence in God’s hands?

“. . .although there have always been challenges in the world, many of those which you face are unique to this time. But you are some of our Heavenly Father’s strongest children, and He has saved you to come to the earth “for such a time as this.”  With His help, you will have the courage to face whatever comes.” – Thomas S. Monson, May You Have Courage, April 2009

Resources: 

• Book of Esther
• May You Have Courage Thomas S. Monson, Young Women Conference, April 2009
• Lessons From The Old Testament: Coming Of Age Kathleen H. Hughes, Ensign, Dec. 2006