Man Up! Sample

TAKE A STAND

Esther's trial run for the most difficult task she would have to man up to comes in the form of a rumor. She heard rumors that some palace officials were conspiring against her husband, the king. She decided to take a stand. It may sound easy and like plain common sense to us who read the story in modern times, but it took some nerve.

Esther did not become queen after being swept away by a prince on a white stallion. She was forced to accept the chauvinistic King Xerxes as her husband. The same man who would later order the killing of all her people. I wonder if it crossed Esther's mind to just let the situation take its course? Even if the worst happened, she would still inherit a comfortable life? I doubt it.

People who man up do not entertain a coward's way out. No matter the story behind the circumstances, they take a stand for what is right. Often, as in Esther's case, these courageous moments of taking a stand tend to pave the way for preventing future disasters. Esther's act of saving the king's life was documented in the book of the annals and played a crucial part later. 

Have you ever had to take a stand when circumstances were not in your favor? What is most likely to happen if you decide to take a stand? 

You never know… God may have a very interesting reason why he appointed you for this daunting task. "Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms. Some you must uproot and tear down, destroy and overthrow. Others you must build up and plant" (Jeremiah 1:10, NLT). Man Up!