Principle #6 encourages us to step into the calling God has placed on our lives. As we read the account of Esther and Mordecai, we see an example of this principle in action.

Though Esther found herself in a position of earthly authority as queen, she still needed encouragement to walk in her divine purpose. Mordecai, as her godly relative, discerned the spiritual importance of Esther’s role. He exhorted her to boldly risk her life and speak up to save their people.

By stepping into her calling, Esther ended up changing the course of history. She found the courage to approach the king and expose Haman’s wicked plot. God used her mightily through her obedience.

This account highlights the importance of empowering others to embrace their God-given destiny. Mordecai selflessly guided Esther into the plan God had for her life. When we recognize the spiritual gifts and callings of those around us, we can spur them on to great things for the Kingdom of God.

As men seeking to live by Principle #6, we must be ready to speak prophetically into the lives of others, especially those who are oppressed or overlooked. When we leverage our influence for the good of others, we reflect the heart of our Father. May we be faithful stewards of the authority God has entrusted to us.

Mordecai Empowers Esther’s Destiny

He Adopts Her as a Fatherless Daughter

He was bringing up Hadassah, that is Esther, the daughter of his uncle, for she had neither father nor mother. The young woman had a beautiful figure and was lovely to look at, and when her father and her mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter. (Esther 2:7)

In Esther 2:7, we see that Esther’s parents had died, leaving her orphaned and vulnerable. As her uncle, Mordecai steps in to adopt Esther as if she were his own daughter. This demonstrates Mordecai’s godly character and concern for those in need. Rather than ignoring the plight of his widowed, orphaned relative, he takes responsibility for her upbringing and welfare.

Though Esther was beautiful on the outside, Mordecai looked deeper to care for her as a whole person. He did not take advantage of her beauty or vulnerability. This reveals Mordecai’s spiritual maturity and integrity. He treated her with the same love and affection he would give his own daughter.

He Raises Her Up With Love and Godly Values

“When Esther’s father and mother died, Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter.” (Esther 2:7b)

As an orphaned young woman in ancient times, Esther would have typically faced a dire future. But under Mordecai’s guidance, she grew up with provision and purpose. Mordecai selflessly dedicated himself to raising her, ensuring she had food, clothing, and shelter. He instructed her in God’s ways, instilling wisdom and character.

Their pure, familial relationship allowed Esther to blossom into the courageous queen she became. Mordecai’s spiritual covering gave her a secure foundation to stand on. She avoided the traps and pitfalls many young women faced.

Mordecai exemplifies how important a godly patriarch’s influence can be. As the spiritual head of their household, he stewarded his authority well. He treated Esther as a cherished family, not as an object or servant. Their story displays the blessings that come when men follow God’s model of servant leadership.

He Discerns Her Vital Role in Saving the Jews

“For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)

Though Esther became queen, she felt powerless to change the Jews’ fate when Haman’s edict threatened genocide. Mordecai recognized God was working through Esther and exhorted her to bold action. His prophetic perception empowered her.

Mordecai knew that Esther could not rely on her earthly position. Her only hope was in God’s sovereign plan. As a godly advisor, Mordecai guided her to seek God’s strength. He reminds her that divine providence had positioned her to save their people.

Rather than domineering, Mordecai appeals to Esther through respectful instruction. He points her to God’s higher purposes. This models how men should lead through humility, not control. Mordecai sees potential in Esther that she can’t see in herself. His wisdom and encouragement push her to embrace it.

He Exhorts Her to Courageously Approach the King

“Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.”” (Esther 4:15-16)

Stepping unsummoned before the king could have meant death for Esther. Fear held her back until Mordecai intervened. He exhorted her to take bold, courageous action, despite the risk. His godly influence gave her the confidence to obey.

Esther found power beyond her position or abilities through fasting and prayer. Mordecai’s words compelled her to seek God’s strength over human influence. This shows the immense spiritual impact a man’s voice can have when aligned with God’s will.

Rather than asserting control, Mordecai appeals to the higher call on Esther’s life. He points her to a purpose bigger than her comfort or safety. As men, we must challenge others to live out their divine destiny, even if it requires personal cost and sacrifice. Mordecai’s exhortation sparked Esther to embrace her calling completely.

Esther Steps Into Her Calling

Initially Feels Fearful and Powerless

“Esther at this point is feeling somewhat powerless, as if she can’t do anything. It says here in verse 11, “if anyone in the king’s provinces, man or woman goes into the king’s inside inner court, without being called there is but one law to be put to death.” (Esther 4:11)

Despite being queen, Esther felt unable to stop the edict against the Jews. Approaching the king unsummoned could mean death. This reveals Esther’s humanity; her position did not eliminate normal fear. At this critical moment, she did not yet grasp the greater purpose God had for her.

Like Esther, we may doubt our ability to impact situations bigger than ourselves. But God often uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways when they yield to His plan. Our human limitations are no barrier when God empowers us through His Spirit.

Mordecai Reminds Her That God is the True Source of Power

“For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)

Mordecai discerned that Esther’s focus was too horizontal, fixed on human power structures. He redirects her to the true Source of power – almighty God.

Mordecai knew that the power is coming from God, not Esther’s position as queen. He reminds her that God can raise up deliverance elsewhere if she hesitates. Mordecai points Esther to trust in divine providence, not earthly privilege.

When we face intimidating situations, we also must remember the power available to us in Christ. No earthly authority can thwart God’s purposes. We limit God if we rely solely on status or favor. Like Esther, we must grasp that our real power flows from our identity in Him.

She Fasts and Prays, Relying on God’s Strength

“Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.”” (Esther 4:15-16)

In response to Mordecai’s exhortation, Esther called for fasting and prayer. This shift reveals she now understood that approaching the king in her own strength was futile. Her only hope was in God’s sovereign power.

Esther operated in desperation, trusting God to deliver her people. She laid aside earthly influence to humble herself. Only through fasting and intercession did she gain courage to risk her life. This models how we overcome fear – by seeking God’s strength through prayer.

Boldly Risks Her Life to Expose Haman’s Plot

“On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, in front of the king’s quarters, while the king was sitting on his royal throne inside the throne room opposite the entrance to the palace.” (Esther 5:1)

Empowered by prayer, Esther bravely entered the king’s presence unsummoned. She gained his favor, then exposed Haman’s wicked scheme against the Jews. God used her mightily as she stepped into her calling, deposing Haman and saving her people.

Esther went from fear to boldness through her dependence on God. His Spirit emboldened her to courageously fulfill her purpose, even at personal risk. Her story inspires us to let go of earthly securities and follow Him boldly.

When we yield to God’s promptings, even intimidating obstacles cannot prevent His plans. Esther’s courageous obedience led to miraculous redemption. As we walk in the Spirit’s power, He can work mightily through our surrendered lives too.

God Uses Her Mightily as She Obeys Her Calling

“So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the wrath of the king abated.” (Esther 7:10)

In Esther’s day, the Jews saw a remarkable reversal from the brink of annihilation. After Esther intervened, the king permitted them to defend themselves. Haman was hanged on the gallows meant for her cousin Mordecai. God spared His people, elevating Mordecai to Haman’s former position.

This stunning turn of events displays God’s sovereignty. When Esther followed His call, trusting Him over human authorities, He worked powerfully on her behalf. Her obedience to Mordecai’s exhortation ended up saving the nation of Israel.

Like Esther, our willingness to take risks for God has enormous significance. When we boldly follow His assignments, He can shift spiritual atmospheres and turn whole situations for good. Our simple, radical obedience unleashes His power.

Key Lessons

Recognize Spiritual Gifts and Callings in Others

Mordecai perceived the spiritual importance of Esther’s position when she could not. As men, we must have discernment to recognize the giftings and callings in those around us, especially when they are overlooked or undervalued.

Though Esther was queen, she needed Mordecai to awaken her divine purpose. We should call out the God-given potential in others through encouragement and loving exhortation. Our words can be the catalyst for someone to embrace their destiny.

Like Mordecai, we must be attentive to how God desires to use each person. When we acknowledge the spiritual gifts of others, we steward our influence well for the Kingdom.

Speak Prophetically to Empower the Overlooked

Mordecai spoke boldly into Esther’s life at a pivotal moment. His prophetic exhortation compelled her to embrace her calling fully. Esther found courage through his godly influence.

Like Mordecai, we must be ready to speak prophetically, spurring others to live out their purpose. Our words can ignite people to believe God for more. The Holy Spirit can profoundly impact others through a timely word.

We are called to specifically encourage those who are oppressed, overlooked or fearful. When we empower others with our words, we reflect Christ’s heart for redemption. Our voice may be the one God uses to free them to their destiny.

Leverage Influence for the Good of Others

Mordecai leveraged his influence with Esther to save the Jews from destruction. He selflessly laid down his own life for the good of his people.

Likewise, as men, we must steward our voices, resources, and authority to bless and empower others. Though Mordecai faced death, he fearlessly confronted Esther to intercede.

We cannot play it safe with the influence God grants us. Our platforms and relationships are meant for more than selfish gain. When we leverage them for the growth and deliverance of others, we live out our calling.

Be a Vessel for God’s Heart and Purposes

Ultimately, Mordecai was a vessel for God’s redemptive purposes in Esther’s life. Through her willing obedience, the nation of Israel was saved.

Like Mordecai, we must let God work through us to advance His Kingdom. By humbly surrendering our wills to Him, He can powerfully use our lives for eternal impact.

When our passions align with His heart, we become conduits of His miraculous power. He longs to pour out spiritual breakthroughs through obedient, yielded lives. May we faithfully steward all God entrusts to us for His glory.

Conclusion

The account of Esther and Mordecai offers profound insights into walking in God’s calling. Though Esther was queen, she needed encouragement to embrace her divine purpose. Mordecai gave her wise counsel, urging her to boldly approach the king.

Empowered by prayer, Esther risked her life to expose Haman’s genocidal plot. God worked mightily through her courageous obedience, saving her people from destruction. This story highlights key principles.

First, we must empower others to live out their spiritual gifts and callings. Like Mordecai, we can spur them on through loving exhortation. Second, our words have the power to ignite divine destinies in overlooked and oppressed people. We are called to speak prophetically, releasing a strong Kingdom purpose.

Third, we must leverage influence unselfishly to bless others. Finally, our greatest impact flows from humbly yielding as vessels for God’s redemptive work. When we align with His heart, He moves through us powerfully.

We Must Step Confidently Into Our Divine Purpose

Like Esther, we may face situations bigger than ourselves. Fear and inadequacy could cause us to shrink back from God’s call. But He desires to work mightily through ordinary, surrendered lives.

We must step out in bold faith, trusting His power and provision. When He confirms direction, we can move forward confidently despite opposition. As we obey, God uses our willingness beyond what we can imagine. Our lives gain eternal significance when we embrace His purpose.

God has appointed you “for such a time as this.” Your specific calling is vital for Kingdom plans at this hour. Do not discount what He wants to do through you. Take courage and follow where He leads.

Fix Eyes on Jesus as the Perfect Model

When intimidated by the assignment, we must fix our eyes on Jesus. He perfectly fulfilled the Father’s will through full dependence and obedience. Christ’s example gives us the courage to say yes to God’s plan.

Jesus valued His purpose above comfort or safety. He laid down His rights and embraced the cross. Because He surrendered completely, God exalted Him to the highest place.

We have access to that same power that raised Jesus from the dead. His Spirit in us enables us to carry out our callings. Like Christ, we must cling to the Father and seek His Kingdom first. Our purpose is found in His presence.

Trust God to Equip Us for Every Assignment

Stepping into our callings requires total trust in God. We must rely on His strength, not our own. He promises to provide everything needed to accomplish His work.

When God gives direction, we can be confident that He has already prepared the way for us. Even if opposition arises, He causes all things to work for our good. We may feel unequipped, but His grace is sufficient.

God equips those He calls. Say yes to the assignments He gives, no matter how outlandish or difficult they may seem. His anointing will empower you, opening doors and bringing breakthroughs. With God, nothing is impossible.

Application Questions

• In what ways is God calling you to empower others to step into their divine purpose? Who around you needs loving exhortation and guidance?
• How can you grow in discernment to recognize spiritual gifts and callings in people, especially those overlooked? Are there people you can encourage in their calling?
• Is there a need for you to speak prophetically and spur someone towards embracing their destiny? Ask God to show you who needs a timely word.
• Are you leveraging your influence unselfishly to serve and bless others? Or playing it safe? Look for ways to selflessly steward your voice, resources, and relationships.
• How can you become a better vessel for God’s heart and Kingdom purposes? Spend time aligning your passions with His. Let Him work through you.
• What fears or inadequacies are hindering you from boldly pursuing your calling? Confess these to God. Rely on His power.
• Are you willing to embrace your purpose and take risks for the Kingdom? God has appointed you “for such a time as this!” Step forward in faith.
• In what areas do you need to fix your eyes on Christ’s example of surrendered obedience? Yield those parts of your life to God.
• Are you trusting God to equip and empower you for every assignment? He promises to provide what you need. Say yes!