We all face them and most of us eventually get past them: obstacles can stop us if we let them, or if we overcome them, obstacles can make us stronger. Some people seem to face more obstacles than others. One woman, for instance, found herself facing a life-or-death decision. Life didn’t start out well for this young girl, either.

Her mom and dad dropped out of her memory when she was barely aware of her life, and she was forced to move to a strange land with different customs and values than her own. She was brought up in a minority class, the color of her skin was different than most around her, and even her faith was looked on with scorn by many around her.

She was an orphan in a strange land and now she faced a decision that could prove fatal to herself and those she loved. Her choice to live beyond the obstacles along with the encouragement of her uncle gave her the courage to do the right thing. And, because of Esther’s choices, the Jewish people in exile found safety, “for such a time as this” that she faced.

Maybe I’ll see you this Sunday. Let’s see what this young girl, who faced her past and chose boldly for the future, can teach us in our own “for such a time as this.”