Inspired to RISE - Day 1 Bible Plan

Everyone Has Influence 

DEVOTIONAL

If you are looking for an action story with a strong female lead, look no further than the book of Esther. After removing his queen for not meeting his shallow demands, King Xerxes goes looking for a new queen. Esther is highly admired and chosen to become the next queen, but keeps her Jewish nationality a secret. An evil plot is made to kill every Jew in the empire by Haman, the King’s corrupt official, because Queen Esther’s uncle, Mordecai, refuses to worship Haman; he only worships the one true God.

Almost unaware of Esther’s influence as queen, Mordecai challenges her to stand up for the rights of the Jews, at the risk of losing her own life and by God’s strength, she does. The Jewish people are saved and she is honored for her courage and wisdom.

Esther was in a position of extreme influence, and with the encouragement of her uncle and the grace of God, she used her influence for good, no matter the cost. The challenge of Queen Esther’s uncle, “Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” remains true for us today. Do you see the daily opportunities of influence God has given you with your family, friends, and classmates? 

REFLECTION - Comment your answer below!

If you lived your life as if you were placed in every room you’re in on purpose, how might that change the way you view your influence?

CHALLENGE

Memorize Ephesians 2:10 this week so you can remember the opportunity you have to influence everywhere you go.

BIBLE VERSES

Esther 4:13-16

Mordecai sent this reply to Esther: “Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed. If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”

Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die.”

Ephesians 2:10

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.