We often read the story of Esther as a beautiful tale of courage, but this week we discovered something deeper and more challenging. Esther's story begins in a dark place—with compromise, fear, and a world that looks eerily similar to our own.

Mordecai and Esther were living in a culture hostile to their faith. They faced a choice we all face today: assimilate and blend in, retreat and hide, or stand tall for Christ no matter the cost. Compromise over-promises and under-delivers. It whispers that we can have all the glory without the suffering, but Jesus showed us a different way.

The truth is, following Christ is getting harder. But just as God wasn't finished with Esther at the beginning of her story, He's not finished with us either. He uses imperfect people for His perfect plans. The question is: will we trust Him enough not to compromise when the world pushes back?

Sermon Notes Here