08/19/2026
Words ARE Powerful
Words are powerful. The right words, spoken at the right time, can turn the tide of a battle, change the attitude of a heart, move the masses, or simply lift a hurting soul. Indeed, words are powerful.
A great example of this is found in the story of Esther. In Esther 7:1–6, we see Esther confronting King Xerxes in order to save her people.
Haman, a high-ranking official, had tricked King Xerxes of Persia into signing a decree to destroy all the Jews throughout the empire. Queen Esther was a Jew, but the king did not know her heritage.
Moreover, Esther approached the king without an invitation. What many people don't realize is that approaching the king without being summoned could result in death unless he extended his golden scepter.
But Esther had fasted for three days, knowing she would have to face the king and risk her own life. Instead of blurting out her request immediately, she patiently hosted two private banquets for the king and Haman. She waited, built the moment, and allowed the timing to unfold.
Then, at the second banquet, when the king asked Esther what she wanted, she chose her words carefully and flawlessly.
She did not immediately attack Haman. Instead, she framed her plea around her own life:
“If I have found favor with you, Your Majesty, spare my life, this is my petition. And spare my people, this is my request.”
When the shocked king demanded to know who would dare threaten his queen, Esther delivered the final, timely truth:
“An adversary and enemy! This vile Haman!”
Esther's patience, wisdom, and precise choice of words completely changed the course of events. Haman was ultimately executed on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai.
The king then issued a new decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves, ultimately saving an entire people from destruction.
Think about that for a moment.
Esther could have rushed into the king's presence, demanded answers, accused Haman, or spoken out of fear and anger. Instead, she fasted, waited, prayed, and allowed God to guide her timing and her words.
Many times, instead of rushing ahead and making decisions we may later regret, and then finding ourselves questioning or blaming God, we should simply stop.
Pray. Seek God. And when necessary, fast. Don't allow your emotions to decide for you.
Allow God to instruct you on what decision needs to be made, what word needs to be spoken, or what action needs to be taken.
Sometimes, the difference between victory and defeat isn't whether we speak.
It's when we speak, and what we say when the moment comes.
Esther understood that.
And perhaps we should, too.
