Written by Debbie Norred
December 7, 2025
Queen Esther found herself in a terrifying position. Her people were marked for destruction, and the only one who could stop it was the king. But there was one problem—she had not been summoned. In those days, no one approached the king without an invitation. To do so could cost her life.
Yet Esther chose courage over fear. She fasted. She prayed. And then she went before the king anyway.
What she didn’t know in that moment is that the king’s heart would be softened, the scepter would be extended, and her bold obedience would save an entire nation.
Today, we don’t approach an earthly king who may or may not extend favor. We approach King Jesus—the One who already paid the price for our access. The veil is torn. The door is always open. And He never says, “Not now.”
Yet how often do we hesitate to come to Him?
How often do we panic first, plan first, fix first—and pray last?
We bring our family struggles, our financial pressures, our health battles, our heartbreak, our fears… and instead of running to the King, we run in circles.
And even when we pray, sometimes we don’t wait.
We ask—
Then we move.
We pray—
Then we decide.
We say, “I prayed about it,” but truthfully… we never waited for the answer.
Psalm 1:3 tells us that the one who delights in God is like a tree planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither—and whatever they do prospers.
But notice this:
A tree doesn’t rush.
A tree doesn’t panic.
A tree doesn’t dig itself up to replant somewhere else every time the wind blows.
It stays planted.
It waits.
It draws.
It listens.
It grows.
God still speaks today.
He still guides.
He still answers.
But His voice is often heard in the quiet place—after the asking, during the waiting.
Esther didn’t rush in with a plan.
She didn’t demand an outcome.
She waited on God first.
And then she moved in courage when the time was right.
Today, you are invited to do the same.
Go before the King.
Go with boldness.
Go with faith.
Go with your family needs.
Go with your private tears.
Go with your unanswered questions.
Go with your impossible situations.
And when you go—don’t just speak. Stay. Listen. Wait.
Because unlike the earthly king Esther approached,
King Jesus is never unavailable.
He never turns you away.
He never grows weary.
And He never abandons those who seek Him.
The scepter is already extended.
Prayer…
King Jesus,
We come boldly before You today—not because of our own strength, but because You have made a way. You are our ever-present help, our faithful King, and our safe place. Just like Esther, give us courage to come to You when we feel afraid, uncertain, or overwhelmed.
Lord, we lay our families at Your feet. We place every need, every worry, every unanswered question into Your loving hands. Teach us not only how to pray—but how to wait. Quiet our rushing hearts. Still our anxious minds. Tune our ears to hear Your voice.
Plant us like trees by Your living water. Help us stay rooted in truth, steady in faith, and fruitful in every season. Forgive us for the times we rushed ahead and created our own answers instead of trusting Yours. Today, we choose to wait on You.
Thank You that Your scepter is always extended. Thank You that You never leave, never ignore, and never turn us away. We trust You, we listen for You, and we rest in You now.
In the mighty name of King Jesus we pray,
Amen. 
