Standing in Grace (Part 3 of 5): Grace Elevates Through Humility
“The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she won grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.” — Esther 2:17 (ESV)
Many of us know the story of Esther — a young Jewish woman raised by her cousin Mordecai after the loss of her parents.
“Now there was a Jew in Susa the citadel whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, son of Shimei, son of Kish, a Benjaminite, who had been carried away from Jerusalem among the captives. He was bringing up Hadassah (that is, Esther), the daughter of his uncle, for she had neither father nor mother.” — Esther 2:5–7 (ESV)
When King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) removed Queen Vashti from her royal position because of her disobedience, he sought a new queen. A royal decree went out, gathering many young women from across the kingdom to the citadel of Susa. Among them was Esther, who was taken into the palace and placed under the care of Hegai, the king’s eunuch in charge of the women.
Scripture tells us that Esther “pleased Hegai and won his favor.” He immediately provided her with beauty treatments, special food, attendants, and the best place in the harem. Though the Bible doesn’t specify exactly what Esther did to gain such favor, her character speaks volumes.
Just as Noah found grace in God’s eyes through his obedience and righteous heart, Esther’s favor came through her posture of humility and submission. She respected those in authority, listened to instruction, and honored the process she was placed in.
When it was her turn to go before the king, Esther did not rely on her beauty or her own ideas. Instead, she sought wisdom:
“She asked for nothing except what Hegai, the king’s eunuch who had charge of the women, advised.” — Esther 2:15 (ESV)
That single choice reveals the depth of Esther’s heart. She trusted the guidance given to her. She was teachable, obedient, and wise enough to understand that favor flows through submission.
It wasn’t Esther’s outward beauty that positioned her as queen — it was the beauty of her heart. Her humility, obedience, and reverence created an atmosphere for grace to operate. Grace elevated her because her heart was aligned with God’s will.
When we stand in grace, it may not always be in a palace or before a king, but grace still elevates us — not through striving or self-promotion, but through a humble heart yielded to God’s direction.
Key Takeaways
Esther’s humility was her grace. Her heart posture positioned her for divine favor and advancement.
Grace flows through submission. When we honor authority and follow godly guidance, grace opens doors that effort alone cannot.
True elevation begins in the heart. Standing in grace means cultivating a spirit of humility, obedience, and quiet confidence in God’s timing.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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