For Such a Time as This - KidsSample

Day 5: Stand Up for What's Right

"This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." – Joshua 1:9 (NLT)

The Courageous Choice of All

Queen Esther faced the biggest decision of her life! Her cousin Mordecai had just told her terrible news: the evil Haman planned to destroy ALL the Jewish people in the kingdom, including her own family and friends!

Esther had two choices:

Option 1 – Stay Safe: She could keep quiet about being Jewish, stay comfortable in her palace, and wait for someone else to resolve the situation. After all, she was the queen! She had everything she could ever want – beautiful clothes, delicious food, and a safe place to live.

Option 2 – Stand Up for What's Right: She could risk her life by going to the king uninvited and telling him the truth about Haman's evil plan. It might save her people, but she might die trying!

What do you think Esther chose? She decided to stand up for what was right, even though it was scary and dangerous!

Esther put on her finest royal attire, took a deep breath, and walked straight into the king's throne room. Her heart was probably pounding like a drum! But she knew that sometimes doing what's right means being brave even when we're afraid.

And do you know what happened? The king welcomed her with open arms! God gave her favor, and she managed to save ALL her people! Because Esther was willing to stand up for what was right, thousands upon thousands of people were saved!

Esther could have remained silent and safe, but she chose to be a HERO!

What Does This Mean for You?

Just like Queen Esther, you too have the power to stand up for what's right! You might think, "But I'm just a child!" Well, know this: children can be heroes too!

Here are some ways you can be like Esther:

At School: Stand up for classmates who are being bullied, include new students, and alert a teacher to injustices.

With Friends: Don't laugh at mean jokes, speak out against gossip, and invite children who are left out.

In the Neighborhood: Help elderly neighbors, protect younger children, be kind to those who are different, and pray for the salvation of everyone on your street.

At Home: Stand up for your siblings, tell the truth even when it's hard.

Remember: You don't have to wait until you grow up to be a hero! God can use you RIGHT NOW!

Let's Pray Together!

Dear God,

Thank you for Queen Esther's courageous example! She stood up for her people even when it was scary. Please give me courage like hers.

When I see someone being mistreated or mocked, help me be brave enough to stand up for them. When I have to choose between what's easy and what's right, help me choose what's right every time.

Thank you that I'm never alone when I try to do good. Just as you were with Esther, you are always with me too!

Help me to be a light for Jesus and to make others feel loved and protected.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Think About It!

Esther defended people who couldn't protect themselves. Who are some people in your life (at school, in your neighborhood, or in your family) who might need someone to defend them? How can you be their "Queen Esther"?

Remember This Week...

Be an "Esther Type Hero" this week!

Here's your mission:

Keep Your Eyes Open: Look for someone who needs a friend or advocate.

Be Courageous: Even if you feel nervous, remember that God is with you just as He was with Esther.

Speak Courageously: Use your voice to stand up for what's right, even when others are silent.

Show Love: Sometimes the most courageous act is simply showing kindness to someone who is suffering.

Pray First: Before you act, ask God for wisdom and courage.

Don't forget: Heroes aren't people who never feel afraid. Heroes are those who do what's right even WHEN they're afraid! Just like Queen Esther, you can be courageous because God is always with you!