Mordecai was a wise man. He knew how to help Esther be an effective instrument for the Jewish people to the king. He told Esther not to reveal her Jewish heritage to the king at first, knowing there were many people who would use that against her, but then exhorted her to have the courage to reveal it at the proper time.

Mordecai knew what was good for Esther and he communicated his thoughts about what she should do. Yet he also stayed near and followed up. Sometimes we need to tell someone in our life something hard they need to hear, but we shouldn’t stop there. Just as Mordecai “walked back and forth near the courtyard” to keep tabs on Esther, we need to come alongside and check in so we can offer support to those we have encouraged to make hard choices.

As the Local Outreach Director here at Calvary, I’ve had to step into a few hard conversations. In this ministry, we often see struggling, broken, and hurt individuals with complicated messy lives. But with God’s help, we’ve been able to share Christ’s love and provide some guidance toward the next steps, where they can start breaking destructive life patterns and move toward healing and hope.

James 3:17 “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”

We know how the story unfolds as Mordecai challenges Esther to speak up and not be silent.

Yesterday you thanked a Mordecai in your life. Today I encourage you to be a Mordecai to someone. Is there someone in your life you need to speak to or challenge with the wisdom of God?

Suggestion: Come alongside someone God’s placed in your life who may need your challenge and wisdom in their lives. Seek wisdom from the Lord and encourage them to move forward!