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Out of This World Leaders must overcome whatever keeps them from moving forward.
Esther demonstrated (from Esther 4:6-17) that if you don’t seize the moment…
1. Your fate will be like that of the rest of the crowd.
If we don’t take risks, we can never expect to rise to the occasion. Mordecai reminded Esther that even though she was queen, she would fare no better than the rest of the Jews if she didn’t talk to the king.
2. God will replace you with someone else.
Mordecai motivated Esther by reminding her that God would accomplish His purposes even if she sat on the sidelines. It’s not necessarily the giftedness of the leader that prompts God’s blessing; it’s more often the leader’s willingness to move when and where He indicates.
3. You could lose more than an opportunity.
Mordecai reminded Esther that if she sat back and did nothing, she could lose more than a chance to do the right thing—she could lose her life. Although doing the right thing at the right time can seem risky, in the long run, leaders often run greater risk by not taking action.
4. You could miss out on your mission in life.
Mordecai speculated that if Esther failed to act on behalf of her people, she might miss out on God’s purpose for her life. You will never accomplish your purpose by remaining idle. What is holding you back? Is it fear? Image? Regardless of what keeps you from pursuing an opportunity, you will succeed only by making one timely decision after another.
There is no such thing as zero risk in leadership. But when you determine to seize an opportunity despite the risk, you build momentum.
The Test of Timing
To help determine if it’s the right time to seize an opportunity, consider the following:
1. The Needs Around You
When you keep a finger on the pulse of people’s basic needs, you will always find opportune times to lead. Esther understood the needs of her people. She understood not only what they needed, but also what they needed from her. Take time to learn what your team members need from you.
2. The Opportunities Before You
You find ripe opportunities—like fruit—by looking for them. Like apples or oranges, they seldom fall in your lap! Early in Esther’s leadership, Mordecai did much of the “spotting.” He let her know each time he discerned a small window of opportunity. Esther learned from Mordecai’s insight, and later discerned the opportune time to inform the king of Mordecai’s actions. When you take time to spot golden opportunities, they start to stick out.
3. The Influencers Behind You
Esther came to value Mordecai’s opinion so much that she made sure he remained by her side throughout her reign. Before you make an important decision, ask your key influencers what they are feeling. Do they see the same opportunity you do? Are they discerning the same timing?
4. The Successes Under You
Experience provides practical advice, so take time to recall your successes. Have you done anything like this before? Mordecai had to convince Esther about the right time to approach the king. Success in that incident gave her confidence for the future. Before long, Esther had so much confidence, the king was seeking her advice.
5. The Courage Within You
Leadership requires courage—the courage to risk, to reach, and to put yourself on the line to seize an opportunity. The word courage comes from a French word that means “heart.” Taking advantage of an opportunity at the right time requires heart. Esther demonstrated tremendous courage, time after time. It took great heart to stand before the king on behalf of all Jews.
Fear will try to get the better of you. But Out of This World Leaders understand that great opportunities never come without risk and fear. So they move forward despite a moment of hesitation…