For Such a Time as This - KidsНамуна

Day 2: Courage Comes from God

"But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you." – Psalm 56:3 (NLT)

Esther's Super Scary Mission

Queen Esther had just heard TERRIBLE news! Her cousin Mordecai told her that the evil Haman was planning to destroy all the Jewish people in the kingdom. The only person who could stop this was... Esther herself!

But there was a big problem: there was a very strict rule in the palace. No one, not even the queen, could speak to the king without being summoned first! If anyone broke this rule, they could be put to death! The only way to be safe was if the king held out his golden scepter when he saw them.

Can you imagine how SCARED Esther was? Her heart was probably pounding! Maybe she even felt butterflies in her stomach! Going to the king could mean death, but NOT going could mean all her people would be destroyed.

What do you think Esther did when she was so afraid?

She prayed! Esther asked all her friends to fast and pray with her for three whole days. She didn't try to be brave alone. She asked God for help!

After three days of praying, Esther put on her finest royal clothes and walked to the throne room. Her hands were probably shaking, and her knees were weak, but she kept walking because she trusted God to help her.

And when the king saw Queen Esther, he smiled and held out the golden scepter! She was saved! God gave her exactly the courage she needed, at just the right time.

Esther was still afraid, but she trusted God anyway and that's what true courage is!

What Does This Mean For You?

Did you know that being brave doesn't mean never being afraid? True courage is feeling afraid, but trusting God anyway! Even adults get scared! Here are some times when you might feel nervous:

At School: Taking a difficult test or speaking in front of the class.

With Friends: Standing up to a bully or trying to make new friends.

At Home: Telling your parents about a mistake or dealing with family problems.

When these scary moments happen, remember Esther! She was scared too, but she did three important things:

1. She prayed to God—She asked for help!
2. She asked others to pray—She didn't try to be brave alone!
3. She trusted God and took the next step—Even with weak knees!

You can do the same! God wants to give you courage, just as He did Esther.

Let's Pray Together!

Dear God,

Thank you for Esther's story, which shows us that being brave doesn't mean never being afraid.

When I'm nervous about tests, need courage to stand up for what's right, or face something scary, help me remember that You are always with me. Thank you that I don't have to be brave alone. You are my helper, and I can trust You even when I'm afraid.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Think About It!

Esther asked all her friends to pray with her. Who are some people in your life (family, friends, teachers) who could pray with you when you're afraid of something?

Remember This Week...

This week, when you start to feel afraid or nervous, try the "Esther Plan":

Step 1: Pray to God and ask for courage

Step 2: Ask someone you trust to pray with you

Step 3: Trust God, be courageous, and take the next step

Don't forget: It's okay to be afraid, but you don't have to stay afraid! God is always ready to give you courage, just as He did for Queen Esther.