Higher Heights – Yours is the Glory

Week 3: Raised for Purpose

During this study, we will be doing a ‘deep dive’ into a scriptural passage. It is strongly encouraged that you study the passage and entire chapter ahead of the study. Also be prepared with your research tools, for example Google or your study Bible, as you will need to reference it during the study. Spend time answering and discussing each question with the intention to gain sufficient understanding to help your own private Bible study as you further explore these topics.

Study Chapters: Esther 1-10

Pilot text

Esther 4:13-16
13 And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. 14 For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
15 Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!”.

Introduction:
Esther is a powerful reminder that God is always working behind the scenes, even when He seems hidden. In a hostile environment filled with uncertainty and danger, God raises an ordinary young woman into extraordinary influence to bring deliverance to His people. What looked like coincidence was revealed as divine orchestration.
This is a story of favour, courage, timing, and purpose. God’s glory is revealed in us when we allow Him to take us beyond our limitations and position us for impact we never imagined possible. Esther reminds us that no position is accidental and no season is wasted when God’s hand is involved. As we study this book, expect God to awaken boldness, deepen your trust in His timing, and reveal how He can use your life for greater purpose and greater glory than you ever imagined.

Discussion Point

• Where do we see Christ? Esther’s willingness to risk herself for others points to Christ, who gave Himself to save humanity (John 15:13; Phil 2:5–8). How does Jesus fulfil this sacrificial role perfectly
• Where do we see salvation? The deliverance of the Jewish people foreshadows salvation and rescue through Christ (Rom 5:8–9; Heb 7:25). How does this story reflect God’s saving purpose
• Where do we see ourselves? Where might God be positioning us for influence, courage, or purpose beyond immediate personal comfort? Are you facing a situation that may seem fearsome, but for which the right response may be “if I perish, I perish”?

Closing thoughts:

Esther reminds us that God is always at work, even when His hand is not immediately visible. Behind every conversation, delay, promotion, and turning point, God was orchestrating salvation for His people. What appeared to be coincidence was divine purpose unfolding at exactly the right time. Esther risked her position and safety to intercede for others, but Jesus went even further, laying down His life completely so that we could be rescued and restored (Phil 2:5–8). What looked certain to destroy God’s people was overturned by God’s favour and mercy. In the same way, salvation through Christ rescues us from sin and brings us into life and purpose (Rom 5:8–9).
God’s grace works even in situations that seem impossible. Some people feel hidden, overlooked, or uncertain about their significance. Others are standing in moments that require courage, wisdom, and faith. Esther reminds us that God positions people intentionally. No season is wasted and no placement is accidental when God is involved. Higher heights are not only about elevation. They are about purpose and glory. God raises people so His salvation, mercy, and power can be revealed through them. Sometimes the very circumstance that feels limiting is the place where God is preparing His greatest work.
Even in difficult or uncertain seasons, God is still moving. His favour still opens doors, His mercy still changes outcomes; and His glory still lifts His people into the purpose He has prepared for them.
When you are ready to say “if I perish, I perish” in the pursuit of God’s revealed will: congratulations and welcome to your higher heights!

Application Questions (use scriptures to support your position):

• Someone you know is given unexpected influence or responsibility and feels unqualified for the opportunity. How does Esther’s story speak into this situation?
• A believer hesitates to speak up or act because of fear of consequences. What does Esther’s response reveal about courage and purpose?
• A friend confides in you that she feels overlooked at work, and assumes her current position has little significance. How might this study reshape her understanding of God’s timing and purpose?