This bible study is one to make you think. When you read this think about yourself in these people's shoes. Picture yourself as these people and see the courage. I want to start with the story of Esther.
 In chapter 2 of Esther we learn that King Ahasuerus was angry at Queen Vashti because of her lack of respect for her husband. So his servants suggested that young virgins be brought to the King.
 Esther 2:4 ~ And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so.
 Now Mordecai was Esther’s uncle and he worked in the palace and he brought her as one of the maidens and in chapter 2 verse 17 we see that the king loved Esther above all the women. but in verse 20 you see that she did not let it be known that she was a jew.
Out of obedience to her uncle Mordecai.
 In chapter 3 we learn of Haman’s promotion. And how he became angry at Mordecai because Mordecai would not bow to him. Now Haman knew that Mordecai was a jew and he sought to have all the jews killed even Mordecai’s family.
 Esther 3:8-11
8) And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, there is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the providences of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it is not  for the king's profit to suffer them.
9) If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring it into the king's treasuries.
10) And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews’ enemy.
11) And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee.
 And then in verse 13 they put out the decree that all jews were to be killed. Women, children, from young to old, all would perish in one day that was set.
Mordecai was upset and who wouldn't be imagine hearing that you and you whole family were being sentenced to death! Imagine knowing that not only would you die but you spouse and your children! and all your relatives too.
  Esther heard that Mordecai was upset and sent Hatach to Mordecai to find out why.
Esther 4:7,8 ~ And Mordecai told him of all that happened unto him, and of the sum of the money that Haman had promised to pay to the king's treasuries for the Jews, to destroy them.
 Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to show it unto Esther, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him and to make request before him for her people.
 Sounds easy right. I mean she was Queen. But it wasn't that easy as stated in verse 11. The law was that you didn't go to the king unless you had been called. If you went in to the king without being called and the king didn't approve you were killed immediately. The only chance to be spared was if the king held up his golden scepter. But being queen did not mean an exception for her. So to go into the king she took her life into her hands but if they found out she was a jew she would die any way. And that was what Mordecai told her in verses 13 and 14 and he also said “and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
 Sometimes we are called to do difficult things. Can we stand up to the challenge? In ourselves it would be difficult but God is faithful to be with us no matter the outcome.
 So Esther agreed but made a request of Mordecai in return she asked that all the jews present in Shushan fast for her 3 days. To not eat or drink and that her and her maidens would do the same. And if she died, she died.
 Boy, that sounds like faith to me. Now I will be honest I would be scared to death. And I don't know but what I might “chicken out”. But Esther did not.
 On the third day she dressed in her royal apparel and went to the king. Esther did find favor and the king said to her, what is your request. He told her he would give her anything that she asked. Even as much as half of the kingdom.
 And her request was that he and Haman come to a banquet that she would prepare for them. He agreed. At that banquet he again asked what her request was and he would give it to her even to half of the kingdom. And she requested that he and Haman would attend another banquet tomorrow.
 Now Haman had planned to have Mordecai hanged. That night the king could not sleep. He remembered when Mordecai had told of two of the king's men who had plans to kill him. And how through Mordecai his life had been spared and the king asked his servants what reward did Mordecai receive for this deed? And the servants said there was nothing done for Mordecai.
  Now Haman was outside the kings door and was going to ask the king to have Mordecai hanged. The king did not know what Haman was about to ask but had a question for Haman. The king asked Haman, what should I do for a man I wish to honor? Well Haman thought that the king wanted to honor him so he said put on him the kings royal clothes, and put a crown on his head, and place him on the king's horse, and then to parade him through the city.
  Now here Haman thought he was setting up the best for himself, but his world came crashing down when the king said do so to the jew Mordecai. Can you imagine? Having to treat your enemy, whom you want killed, with royalty.
 After this Haman was brought to the banquet of Esther. And after they had eaten the king asked Esther what her request was still with the same offer as before.
 Esther 7:3 ~ Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request.
 Well the end result was that the king did grant her request and Haman who had built the gallows for Mordecai, was hanged himself in the way he had planned for Mordecai. The law was rewritten and the jews spared.