"Woman Behind the Mask," Esther 4: 14-16; Pastor Teresa Thomas Boyd
Many are comfortable being identified as "Christian" as long as it neither interferes with their lifestyle nor requires any significant effort or expense. When people are called to live up to the responsibilities of being a Christian, it is then we discover whether the person is genuine or hiding behind a mask. The story of Esther teaches a faith-life lesson about being transparent--she is the same God-fearing person in all circumstances. Esther displayed three Christian virtues which we can apply in discipling our own lives. 1. Courage: To do what is right, not politically correct, and trust the Holy Spirit empowerment rather than fear man's rules. 2. Confidence: To boldly to do all things through Christ which strengthens us (ref. Php. 4: 13) in the face of what seems impossible while remembering that all things are possible with God (Matt. 19: 26). 3. Conqueror's Perspective: Be encouraged that with the Spirit's empowerment that victory is assured. Any Believer, female or male, just like Esther has the capacity to be the person God has called them to be.
