If I Perish, I Perish - Finding Courage When Everything's at Stake
When Your Life Depends on One Decision
Queen Esther faced an impossible choice: stay silent and watch her people die, or risk her own life to save them. Her response has echoed through history as one of the most powerful declarations of biblical courage ever recorded.
"And so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16).
The Challenge That Changes Everything
Mordecai's words cut straight to Esther's heart: "And who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14).
Translation: God didn't place you where you are by accident. Your position, your influence, your circumstances - they're all part of His plan. But will you step up?
Here's the truth Mordecai understood: God's work will happen with or without you. "For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall their enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place" (Esther 4:14).
But the question isn't whether God can accomplish His purposes. The question is: Will you be part of the blessing or miss out on the opportunity?
Three Truths About Biblical Courage
1. Courage Requires Entering the King's Presence
Nothing happens without prayer. Esther knew that approaching the king without permission meant death, but she also knew that doing nothing guaranteed destruction.
If we want God to work through us, we must be willing to enter His presence through prayer and fasting, regardless of the cost.
2. Courage Means Counting the Cost
"If I perish, I perish."
Esther wasn't being reckless - she was being realistic. She understood that doing right might cost her everything, but she had peace about it because she was doing what God called her to do.
Every day, we take risks with our lives. We could die when driving on the roadways, but we count the costs as acceptable and get behind the wheel and drive anyway. But when it comes to standing up for Jesus, suddenly many Christians are too afraid of the risk.
3. Courage Means Revealing Your True Identity
Esther had been living as a Gentile in the palace, hiding who she really was. Her moment of courage meant revealing her true identity as a Jew.
How many Christians today are living like they're lost? They say they're a Christian, but nobody knows it by the way they live. They become embarrassed to show their true colors.
Your "For Such a Time as This" Moment
What time is it in your life?
Are there people around you who don't know Jesus - souls heading toward hell? If you could be brave enough to pull someone from a burning car without hesitation, I hope you would be brave enough to share the gospel to save lost souls from eternal fire.
The truth is this: Worldwide, 365 million Christians face persecution for their faith. Some face death. You might not face that in America today, but God is still asking you to count the cost and take the risk.
Your life could be shortened by standing for Christ. That's how Christians think when they live for others, not just themselves.
The Call to Action
Like Esther, are you willing to do right no matter the consequence? Whether God delivers you or not, will you stand?
Esther's courage came with a plan. She called for corporate fasting: "Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day" (Esther 4:16).
She didn't go it alone. She involved her community in seeking God's face.
Here's your challenge: Stop living in the safety of the palace. Stop hiding your faith. Step into the King's presence through prayer and fasting, and be willing to say with Esther, "If I perish, I perish."
Because that's what it means to live with biblical courage.
🎧✨ Ready to go deeper? This condensed version only touches the surface of this powerful message about biblical courage, fasting, and living with purpose. For the complete expository preaching experience, including detailed verse-by-verse bible teaching on God's "another place," the significance of corporate fasting, and practical steps for developing righteous courage in your daily walk, listen to the full sermon here. The complete message will challenge and equip you to truly live out "if I perish, I perish" in your own life!