determination and faith

“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!” (Esther 4:16).
 
Of all the qualities of character that come out of this dramatic statement, determination and unquenchable faith are the two most prominent. Queen Esther has a plan: she knows exactly what needs to happen for its success, and she will carry it through to the end, regardless of the consequences.
 
The entire Jewish nation, in captivity in Babylon, is under threat of annihilation, and Esther is the only hope of survival.  Esther’s cousin, Mordecai, has challenged her to go before the king and make an appeal for her people.
 
Even as queen of the Medo-Persian empire, Esther is not allowed to go before the king without being called for. Anyone who does so will be killed unless the king holds out his golden scepter to that person. This verse reveals her decision.
 
God has always wanted servants who have the kind of determination and faith that Esther exhibits here. He wants followers who will have the undying faith to be what they ought to be, regardless of the consequences. He wants that of you and me today.