Esther: The Crisis Gap
February 23, 2025
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in the moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Times of crisis test the character and faith of those called to lead. However, a crisis is more than a test for those already in positions of authority; it calls those with faith to stand in the gap and rise to the challenge by putting that faith into action. Join us for part three of Leading from the Gap, as we explore how Esther was a leader for such a time as this.
Passage
Esther 2-7
Principle
Leading from the gap always results in a ##crisis## of ##belief## requiring leaders who put ##faith## into ##action##.
Practice
Three things to do when you find yourself in the Crisis Gap:
- Trust God’s ##heart## even when you cannot see His ##hand##.
- Seek wise counsel from people who ##love## ##Jesus## more than they ##love## ##you##.
- Put your ##faith## into ##action##.
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couple or family devotion, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
Describe a time when you had to lead through a crisis. What occurred, and what did you learn?
HEAR
Read Esther 5:1-8
- What risk did Esther take by approaching the king without a summons? (Esther 4:11) What motivated her to take that risk?
- Why did Esther invite Haman to the banquet she was planning for the king?
- Can you think of other Bible characters who took important risks? Why are stories like these especially memorable and inspiring?
Read Esther 5:9-14
- Why was Haman happy as he left the king’s court? What caused his mood to change so quickly?
- Why is someone like Haman so profoundly impacted by a person like Mordecai? What does this reveal about the influence of hate and pride?
- If you were having a conversation with someone like Haman, what passages of scripture or stories would you share with that person? What do you think Jesus might say to Haman?
Read Esther 6:1-13
- Why were Haman’s wife and wise men so certain that this situation would lead to Haman’s downfall? What advice had these same individuals given Haman in chapter 5? Why did their opinions change so rapidly?
Read Esther 6:14 – 7:10
- Read Romans 8:28. What things, even negative ones, did God work together for the good of His people in the book of Esther?
- Often, we can only recognize God’s hand in our circumstances when viewed from the perspective of time. Do you agree or disagree? Have you ever found yourself in situations that only made sense in hindsight? If so, what did you believe during that situation, and how did time alter your perspective on what God was doing through your experience?
HUDDLE
Are you currently facing a crisis in any area of your life? Imagine yourself five years from now. What story would you like to tell about that situation? What steps do you need to take based on your desired outcome? Discuss it, invite accountability, and pray together.
Daily Reading
As you read each passage, look for connections to this week’s sermon and small group discussion. Invite the Holy Spirit to be your teacher as you seek Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
- Day 1: Esther 1 & 2
- Day 2: Esther 3 & 4
- Day 3: Esther 5
- Day 4: Esther 6
- Day 5: Esther 7
- Day 6: Esther 8
- Day 7: Esther 9 & 10
Passage to Memorize: Romans 8:28
Think Deeper
- What is your usual initial reaction to an unforeseen crisis?
- Have you had to lead through a crisis? What did you learn?
- Who would you trust to give you godly counsel?
Suggested Reading
The 21 Most Powerful Minutes in a Leader’s Day, by John Maxwell
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, by John Maxwell
Esther, by Charles Swindoll
Check out these and other books from our suggested reading list at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB.