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"SPIRITUALLY, WE SHALL NEVER PERISH" "Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and IF I PERISH, I PERISH." (Esther 4:15-16) (caps mine)The life of Esther is one of the most extraordinary in all the Bible. A true rags-to-riches story. She was plucked out of obscurity, chosen to be queen, and then faced with one of the most difficult choices she would ever have to make.Esther was a Jew, but her husband, Ahasuerus the king, wasn't aware of it early on. Back in chapter 3, we see that nasty good for nothing Haman, who hated God's people, talking with the king about a wicked plan to destroy them. Then, with the king’s consent, a decree had gone out over all the land that every Jew was to be killed (Esther 3:8-10).Following that, Esther was faced with a choice. She could either stand up for her people and the God of her ancestors, or save her own skin by remaining silent. To stand up meant, not only the danger of revealing her true identity, but also approaching the king unbidden which was an offense punishable by death (Esther 4:11). But faithful Esther made her choice decisively saying, “IF I PERISH, I PERISH." Well, the time had come for Esther to make her decision not knowing the certainty of what may come of it all. But folks, when you read the rest of the story, she did not perish but continued on with a testimony that indeed stood tall and triumphant. Her legacy is well-documented in the Book that bears her name. You know, you just can't help admiring and loving this dear woman of God!To be sure, there has been a bloody trail of martyrs down through the centuries who were never mentioned in the Scriptures who left us a testimony to the fact that God does not always deliver from death. There have been Christians aplenty who could very well sing during those times, "Stand up, Stand up for Jesus Ye soldiers of the Cross." With the ever-increasing threats aimed at Christians today, the hour may be coming, and it may be coming sooner than we think. when any of us, like Esther, may very well be faced with a similar decision. Would we be willing at that moment to lay down our concern for self-preservation and reveal our true identity by declaring, "IF WE PERISH, WE PERISH" as we take our stand for Christ?But friends, as children of the Living God of all might and mercy, and with eternity awaiting us., believers in the Lord Jesus Christ who have trusted Him for the safe keeping of their souls, shall NEVER perish! For He gave us His promise, "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall NEVER PERISH, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." (John 10:28)