The Weight of Esther's Calling

In counseling people I love, I often see how in the midst of a challenge, God is calling her to rise in His strength. I often quote the call of Esther. Who knows that you've come to this position for such a time as this? Think of all the things that had to be in place for Esther to have the opportunity to save her people: Her parents died. She was taken in by a relative. She was beautiful. The queen disobeyed the king. Lots of alcohol. The king's advisers advised getting rid of the old queen and finding a new one. A man wouldn't bow. The man he wouldn't bow to decided that killing the non-bowing man was not enough; he would kill a whole people group. The king had a thing for Esther. The man who wouldn't bow saved the king's life. He happened to be the relative that took care of Esther. The king couldn't sleep one night and had his old records read out loud to him... etc., etc., etc.
And you. Look at all the little things that it took for you to stand right here.
And I know you don't take it lightly. If it were easy, you wouldn't have to stand up to do it. For Esther, it meant facing the possibility of death. And I know that's how you feel. Where's the energy? Where's the hope? Where's the support you need? This wasn't what you expected. It's not what you bargained for.
But, Esther made a decision. She said Yes. "If I die, I die." Real death.
And your death? Failure. Disappointment. A torn relationship. Embarrassment.
But, Esther made another decision. Pray, she said. Have everyone pray. For three days. Don't even eat. Pray, pray, pray.
Maybe it's time for you to stand up. Maybe it's time for you to say yes. Maybe it's time for you to step out and risk it all. Demand that I pray with you.