Question for the Group:
Discuss how you have seen God working in your life.

Challenge:
Tell about a specific trial you were in and when you were aware that the Lord was bringing it to a close.
What lesson did you learn?

Question for the Group:
Discuss the following character traits of Esther: Gracious Obedient, godly nobleness, self-controlled, self-sacrificing, courageous, assertive, and vastly patriotic.

Challenge:
Make a list of your character traits.

Question for the Group:
Vashti was not submissive; Esther was. How would you describe your level of submissiveness?

Challenge:
Why does God call us to be submissive?

Question for the Group:
Esther was assertive enough to go before the king even knowing that by law she could have been put to death.

Challenge:
Discuss a time when you have showed courage, with assertiveness, without worrying about yourself.

Special Note:
Today the Jews celebrate for Esther. It is called the feast of Purim and she is highly regarded by most Jews. The Talmud even honors the book of Esther above the Psalms and most of the Prophets!

Final Review:
We especially honor Esther for her character: A gracious queen, obedient to her elders -she always sought her Uncle Mordecai's advice, even when she was Queen. Inspiring/remembered especially for her godly nobleness; her self-control was evident, she was willing to sacrifice her own life for that of her people, she had guts, she was assertive without being aggressive, and she was vastly patriotic.

Final Words:

For you who are married, remember the following: Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; while they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Who adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel, But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands. 1 Peter 3:1-5