A few weeks before graduating from medical school, I remember being in the elevator with 2 of my closest friends. I admitted to them that I really didn’t want to leave school…I wanted to remain in the safety of the four walls and just learn stuff.

They thought I was crazy.

While my friends were eager to burst through the exit door after 4 years of grueling written and oral exams, I was okay with just hanging out…learning stuff.  My biggest obstacle in school, as far as I was concerned, was studying for and passing another exam.  The worst that could happen is that I would fail it.

Yes, I do like libraries and sticking my nose in a few books, but the reality was I was afraid.

Afraid to go out there and stand in front of a patient ON MY OWN and make MY OWN DECISIONS.  I didn’t want to deal with the possibility of messing up and making a mistake.  A real-life fail.  That was scary.

The good news is I am no longer scared of my patients (most of them are half my size).   And the other good news is that I learned to walk in authority.

Just like Esther.

Let’s rewind a bit.  Queen Vashti, a gorgeous woman, refuses to parade in front of her husband and his friends, so she is banned as a queen.

The inner circle to half-drunk husband King Xerxes advises him to replace the royal position to a woman who “knows her place”, one who will show proper respect to  her husband.

So, a decree is made, and enters in beautiful Esther, who wins the new title of queen after winning a 6-month beauty pageant.

But, as we know, Esther more than just “knew her place”.  She wasn’t bound by the constrictions of unwise advisors.  This new queen, while refusing to compromise respect for her husband uses her position to save the Jewish race.

Yes, there was a bit of fear in facing the king, her husband, to request the saving of her people, but she overcame that when reminded of her position of authority.

We are all in a place of authority, but sometimes fear limits us from walking in.  Many believers have robbed themselves of knowing and operating in the power that is living inside them.

In Luke 10:19 NIV, Jesus tells his disciples, ” I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy…”

Jesus also said, “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” John 14:12 NIV.

Esther pushed through her fear and saved a people group, for which she is still celebrated by the Jewish people today.

I pushed past mine and by overcoming, I have been able to do a lot of good for a lot of families over the years, and I love it!

What is holding you back today from pushing forward?   Remember, it’s not just about a position at work or a question of royalty.

It’s about the ability to break down spiritual strongholds also.  The enemy has NO power over you!  Break every chain that the enemy has bound you with.  “Fear, he is a liar” (Zach Williams).

Know your place of power and authority!  May the truth set you free to move forward in the destiny God has designed for your life.  You will love it!

~Betsy