We are learning about one of God’s chosen Queens today! Before we do, pause and answer:
Have you ever heard of, been, or seen a younger, smaller, new child being threatened?
Witnessed the truth of how the vase was broken?
Had an opportunity to help someone but hurried past?
If you nodded your head, you are not alone! Yes, we all have been in such similar situations. We know the “right” thing to do! Our reluctance comes from feelings and loud voices of fear, embarrassment, and discomfort. Should we need to stand up to someone about a situation, or take a stand against them, most of us will resist this choice of confrontation.
A godly, beautiful, humble young girl has been chosen as the new Queen of Persia! Prior to a year of preparation to possibly being a queen, Hadassah (you may have heard of her other name, Esther) had been just an ordinary orphan girl, reared by a God‑honoring, loving cousin — but now she is in a contest to become a very influential person: The Queen.
Esther 2
⁸ When the king’s order and edict had been proclaimed, many young women were brought to the citadel of Susa and put under the care of Hegai. Esther also was taken to the king’s palace and entrusted to Hegai, who had charge of the harem. ⁹ She pleased him and won his favor. Immediately he provided her with her beauty treatments and special food. He assigned her seven female attendants selected from the king’s palace and moved her and her attendants into the best place in the harem.
In the meantime, one of the king’s attendants, who hates young Esther’s cousin (and all their people), plans a hideous scheme to destroy the entire nation. Esther does indeed win the king’s heart and is now in a royal position as Queen.
Now, Mordecai — fully aware of this plot — uncontrollably cries, weeps, and mourns at the city gates. Esther is deeply moved with compassion for her cousin and sends a message to determine what’s the matter with Mordecai. His distress is in full view, and he reports to Queen Esther that all their people will soon be destroyed if she doesn’t speak up and speak out to the king.
Esther sends a response explaining that there is a rule that anyone who goes to the king without being asked could be killed. Mordecai then stirs Esther’s courage to go to the king and speak up for the saving of many lives. He explains to her that God has placed her where she is, at this critical moment in history, specifically for this purpose.
What do you think Esther will do? If you say she will go to the king, you are correct! She’s not sure what will happen, but she’s willing to go.
Before Esther goes, she plans to pray and ask others to pray with and for her. In addition to prayer, Esther requested that Mordecai and her maids join her in refusing the pleasure of food. Sometimes our choices are so big and important, we need more than physical nourishment — we need God! They will fast, disciplining themselves for this life-‑changing meeting.
Continue reading Esther and comment with your thoughts below.
©2026 Penelope White. Use with the author’s permission. Send requests to penywhite@hotmail.com
Penelope Allen White is a wife, mother of two young adult sons, and grandmother. Her passion is for all children and people to have an intimate knowledge of God. She works as a Christian educator, speaker, church school curriculum writer and teacher, workshop facilitator, middle school counselor, and neighborhood tutor. Despite her busy schedule, she still finds time to enjoy a game of hopscotch!
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