There may be no moment that requires as much humility and vulnerability as the moments we realize the choice we have to make may cost us more than we would ever really want to give. Our choices impact many people.

Esther is a young Jewish girl who ends up in the favor and presence of the king. She has a position many would want. She is in contact with her family, though not living under their roof. And in just a few days’ time, Esther’s place, position, and power are on the line.

She is confronted with the choice to risk her own life by telling the king something about her own heritage—that she is Jewish—in order to possibly save the Jewish people from being destroyed in a horrible act of genocide. There is no guarantee of the outcome. Esther may lose her own life, and her people may still be killed. But in this moment, she has to make a choice. Whatever she decides will affect the lives of many others.

Risky moments come along often in our lives as disciples. We are called on to make hard decisions. Sometimes those decisions mean we will be set aside or removed. And sometimes those decisions will release an oppression or situation that is crying out for the redemption, grace, and freedom that only come when God is involved. Where are you being nudged to make a decision that opens the door to abundant and new life for someone else? What is the choice that leads to life?