Delores Liesner
Activating Faith in everyday life
Esther’s Choices in Captivity
Esther is in captivity, but she still has choices.
Though she was captured–bodily taken–yet her spirit apparently had not been overtaken. Along with many other young women, Esther is in custody of the keeper of the women.
Verse 9 says she won his favor, causing him to show kindness in upgrading Esther and her seven maidens to the best of everything.
Why? Was Esther different because she believed that God had control of her life and placed her into this custodial situation? Apparently she had an inner light—some peace to her demeanor and personality—that drew special attention. All the women were captive, likely emotional wrecks, frightened and lonely to know they would never have a ‘normal’ family life, and possibly never see their family again. But ONE stood out and found favor despite the circumstances.
Esther had the choice to respond or react within her situation. She could obey – or not. She could obey sullenly, rebelliously, or cheerfully, or at least without murmuring or grumbling. Esther obviously took the higher road and made the right choice.
But Esther had secrets. Esther also had a choice to tell and not to obey Mordecai. Yet lifetime training of obedience to the cousin who had replaced her father was apparently so ingrained (and perhaps treasured) that she retained it even when she was forcibly absent from family guidance.
She had a choice to accept or rebel at the year-long treatments and preparations, as well as how to respond to those around her. It’s easy to imagine jealousy and envy toward the one who got special treatment, but verse 15 says, “Esther obtained grace in the eyes of all who beheld her.” That is quite an accomplishment – especially considering her circumstances.
4. Are You in Captivity? There are still choices.
Taught unquestioning obedience for authoritative figures, Esther’s secret Jewishness did not color her responses to palace authority. Instead, lifetime training was so ingrained she retained it even in enemy captivity. May our daily practices also reveal our relationship with God so powerfully.
As God had a destiny for Esther, God has a destiny for each of His children. We all have choices to make within that life and plan.
Like Mordecai, we can be a faithful prayer warrior supporting the Esther in our lives. (every day—for that entire year—Mordecai would walk about in front of the court of the house of the women, to learn of Esther’s welfare and what would be done to her).
Like Esther, we also can find comfort in overwhelming circumstances, knowing our sovereign God is here: planning, protecting, and providing others to pray and support us to freedom.
You and I have been, and are likely will be, in circumstances that make us feel controlled – yet, like Esther, we have a sovereign God ordering our destiny. Whether we see Him or not, God is still there. He is planning, protecting, providing, and giving us the opportunity to also accept our circumstances with the peace of knowing that He has a purpose for it, has promised to be at our side ‘through’ the deep waters, and promised to work out everything according to His will and glory and for our good.
4. In captivity? There are still choices.
Taught unquestioning obedience for authoritative figures, Esther’s secret Jewishness did not color her responses to palace authority. Instead, lifetime training was so ingrained she retained it even in enemy captivity. May our daily practices also reveal our relationship with God so powerfully.
As God had a destiny for Esther, God has a destiny for each of His children. We all have choices to make within that life and plan.
Like Mordecai, we can be a faithful prayer warrior supporting the Esther in our lives. (every day—for that entire 
year—Mordecai would walk about in front of the court of the house of the women, to learn of Esther’s welfare and what would be done to her).
Like Esther, we also can find comfort in overwhelming circumstances, knowing our sovereign God is here: planning, protecting, and providing others to pray and support us to freedom.
Be the Miracle! – with journaling pages
Delores Liesner: Author
American Christian Fiction Writers Association
Delores Liesner 