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SPEAK UP TO MAN UP

The next step in Esther's challenge was to approach the king. The way she handled this conversation could make or break the lives of her people. That is a lot of pressure!

Esther did not barge in shouting and screaming for justice. She spoke to the king politely and arranged a banquet to ensure a favorable setting. "And Esther replied, 'If it pleases the king, let the king and Haman come today to a banquet I have prepared for the king'" (Esther 5:4, NLT). I am sure her thoughts were going haywire while she was preparing for the banquet. 

When the moment arrived, Esther did not sugarcoat the situation. She did not tell a long sappy story to soften up the king. Esther stated exactly what she wanted. "If I have found favor with the king, and if it pleases the king to grant my request, I ask that my life and the lives of my people will be spared" (Esther 7:3, NLT). 

People who man up are willing to communicate their needs. They speak politely, with good timing and confidence. Has speaking up been a hindrance in your life?

In which areas of your life do you need to voice your needs more accurately? What is holding you back? 

You are not alone. "Don't worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said" (Luke 12:11-12, NLT). Speak up to man up!