A rainy day at summer camp gives some of our kids the opportunity to retell the Esther story in their own words.
The book of Esther tells the story of a young Jewish woman living in Persia who unexpectedly became queen. Esther was chosen for her beauty and character, but she kept her Jewish identity a secret at the advice of her cousin Mordecai, who had raised her. At first, life in the palace seemed far removed from the struggles of her people, but God was already positioning Esther for something bigger than herself.
A powerful official named Haman rose to influence in the kingdom and became enraged when Mordecai refused to bow down to him. Out of pride and hatred, Haman convinced the king to sign a law allowing the destruction of all the Jewish people. When Mordecai told Esther about the plan, he urged her to speak up for her people—even though approaching the king without being invited could cost her life. Esther had to wrestle with fear but ultimately chose courage, saying, “If I perish, I perish.”
Esther bravely approached the king, revealed her true identity, and exposed Haman’s evil plot. The king stopped the plan, honored Mordecai, and gave the Jews protection from their enemies. Through Esther’s faith and courage, God saved an entire nation. Her story reminds us that God can use ordinary people in extraordinary ways, and that sometimes we’re placed exactly where we are “for such a time as this.”
