Prayer Call: Courage Under Pressure

Hello BFB Family & Friends!

Our scripture focus for this morning: Esther 4:15-17 NIV

“Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: ‘Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.’ So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther’s instructions.”

I don’t know about you, but if we’re honest with ourselves, we all experience pressure.
Some of us are under the pressure of making difficult decisions we’ve been putting off.
For others, the pressure looks like providing for family, paying bills, or holding things together at work.

There are pressures that come from leadership, relationships, or even from trying to obey God when obedience might cost us something.

But here’s what I’ve learned: there comes a moment in every believer’s life when faith has to stand tall under pressure.

Obedience might feel risky. Doing what’s right might come with a cost. But Esther shows us what it looks like to have courage—even when the pressure is on.

1. Courage Begins with Consecration
Before Esther ever approached the king, she approached the King of Kings. Before she ever made a move, she made space to pray. She said, “Go, gather all the Jews… and fast for me.”

That was her first step—consecration. True courage isn’t self-confidence,  it’s God-dependence. Esther didn’t rush into the palace with her own plan. She went first into God’s presence to find His plan. That’s a reminder for us: Courage without consecration is just recklessness.
 
When we pause to pray before we act, God prepares what we’re walking into. So before you confront an issue, consecrate yourself. Before you speak out, seek God. Because when we take time to pray first, God strengthens us under pressure and positions us to move in wisdom, not impulse. Sometimes the greatest act of courage isn’t stepping out—it’s waiting on God until He says “go.”

2. Courage Requires Using What’s in Your Hands
After the fasting ended, Esther didn’t receive new resources—she received a new perspective. She didn’t gain an army or political power. She simply realized she had access—and she used it.

Esther walked into that throne room still afraid, but determined. Faith doesn’t erase fear—it raises obedience above fear. She was more concerned about obeying God than protecting herself. That’s real courage. Sometimes it’s not loud or flashy. Sometimes courage simply looks like showing up.

And like Esther, we must ask: What has God placed in my hands? It could be your influence, your wisdom, your compassion, your connections, or your testimony. Whatever it is—use it for the glory of God.

When we step forward in obedience, God steps up with His favor. Don’t underestimate what He can do when you simply make yourself available.

So as we go through this week lets ask ourselves: Where is God calling you to move—even though fear says, “stop”?

It could be in your ministry, your job, your finances, your health, or even in a relationship that requires truth and tough love. Have the courage under pressure to let faith lead you to obedience—not fear.

Before you act—pray. When you act—trust. And as you trust, know that God can turn your pressure into purpose. It’s not about having all the answers.

It’s about having enough faith to take the next step.

Amen and amen.