말보다 말씀! 빚보다 빛!

[Key Verse]
“The king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. And the king gave a great banquet, Esther’s banquet, for all his nobles and officials. He proclaimed a holiday throughout the provinces and distributed gifts with royal liberality.” (Esther 2:17–18, NIV)

[Our Story]
I received the call to ministry in middle school. I could not deny the Lord’s clear calling. Though many temptations followed, I tried to keep my heart focused on one path. When the time came for me to enter seminary and receive formal training, I was faced with a life-changing decision. Personally, it was an exciting step toward a long-held dream. However, there was one concern: how would my parents—who did not yet believe in Jesus—respond? I decided to be courageous for the sake of the calling I had cherished since middle school. I had a moment alone with my father, and I told him I wanted to go to seminary. He paused for a long time, then asked, “You know the path you’re about to take is a difficult one. Can you handle it?” I answered, “I don’t know for sure because I haven’t walked it yet, but I think I can. I’ve been preparing since middle school.” My father replied, “I respect your decision. But make sure you never regret it, and take full responsibility for your choice.” With that, he gave me his blessing to apply. To this day, I have never regretted that decision—because God never makes mistakes in His calling.

[Bible Story]
Esther chapters 1 and 2 tell the stories of two queens—Vashti and Esther—and the decisions they made. King Xerxes of Persia throws a lavish banquet to display his wealth and power: 180 days for his officials and seven more days for all the people. As the feast reaches its climax, the king orders Queen Vashti to appear so he can show off her beauty. But she refuses. We don’t know her reasons, but her decision leads to her being deposed. This was the king’s way of preserving order in the empire. Following his advisors’ suggestion, King Xerxes decides to search for a new queen. Young women from across the empire are brought to the palace, including Esther. Her participation becomes a life-saving decision for the nation. Of course, behind the scenes are God’s invisible hand and Mordecai’s guidance, but Esther’s own courage and role are significant. The selected women undergo 12 months of purification under the care of Hegai, the eunuch. Esther wins special favor and love because of her beauty and character. Eventually, she is chosen as queen, and the king celebrates with a great banquet, inviting all his officials. Overjoyed, he exempts the provinces from taxes and distributes generous gifts in her honor. Mordecai’s decision also stands out. When he learns of a plot to assassinate the king, he reports it to Esther, who warns the king, ultimately saving his life. These were decisions that saved both the king and the kingdom.

[Your Story]
Is there a decision you need to make today? It may not seem life-changing, but even small choices deserve careful thought—because they shape the direction of our lives. In an age overflowing with information, decision-making has become even more difficult. All the more reason to stand on the Word of God and make discerning, prayerful choices. Ask yourself: Is this decision truly for the Kingdom of God? Rather than being led by visible power, be led by the invisible hand of God.

“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:31–33, NIV)

With joy,
Pastor Hyung Joong Kim
Copyrightⓒ 2025 by Hyung Joong Kim