A Star in the Shadows

I’m someone who loves stargazing. Stars simply amaze me because of the way they shine regardless of the darkness or their distance from the earth. 

I didn’t realize until later that someone in the Bible had a name that means ‘star’; Esther was that woman. 

And Mordecai had brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter, for she had neither father nor mother. The young woman was lovely and beautiful. When her father and mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter.

Esther‬ ‭2‬:‭7‬ ‭‭‭(NKJV‬‬)

Esther had lost her parents at a young age and her Uncle Mordecai adopted her as his child. She had a thousand and one reasons to feel undeserving of whatever good thing life brought her way.

Her story could have ended as a sad one: an orphaned girl living in a foreign land, disconnected from her roots. Yet, despite these challenges, she didn’t let her circumstances define her. Eventually, Esther caught the attention of the king and, with God’s favor, became queen.

But being queen wasn’t her final triumph, her greatest victory was still to come.

When a decree was issued to destroy her people, Esther had a choice to make: She could remain silent, hide her identity, and hope to stay safe, or she could risk everything and step into the role God had called her to. Imagine what she must have felt!

Have you ever faced a moment when you had to make a tough decision that could cost you something precious?

For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Esther‬ ‭4‬:‭14‬ (NKJV)

In a powerful moment of courage, Esther chose the latter option. She decided to fast and pray before taking her next steps, displaying both wisdom and humility, knowing she couldn’t do it on her own. And when she finally approached the king uninvited – something that could have cost her life – God’s favor went before her. Through her bravery and God’s intervention, Esther helped save her people from destruction.

The question I want to ask is this; how often do we shy away from situations that call for our courage? Do we shrink back from challenges because they seem too big, or do we step forward like Esther, trusting that God will walk with us?

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

Proverbs‬ ‭31‬:‭25‬ (NIV)

This scripture reflects Esther’s grace under pressure. She faced her fears head-on with strength and dignity, allowing God to use her for His greater plan. As believers, the same is true for us – especially for you, dear sister. When life presents challenges, remember that you are not called to blend into the shadows, you are called to shine.

God can turn any situation, no matter how dark, into an opportunity for His light to shine through you. So, rise up in faith, embrace your unique purpose, and trust that God has placed you where you are for a reason. You are a star, let nothing dim your light.

Shalom!