Daily Devotional Thoughtful Thursday | February 19, 2026

It’s Thursday, and time for your daily devotion. Some people step into a crisis without being aware of it. Yet they’re chosen to make a difference. In your daily devotion, know that your actions could turn a critical moment around.

Kingdom Crisis

In Esther 1, the Jews who’d been carried into captivity are living in the Medo-Persian empire, now ruled by King Ahasuerus. During the king’s lavish feast, featuring wine in abundance, he sends for Queen Vashti to parade her beauty. She refuses. Furious, he asks his advisors what he should do; they advise him to strip Vashti of her title or else all women will disdain their husbands. He banishes Vashti; then his anger subsides. In today’s daily devotion, know that sometimes a bad situation is a setup for God to get the glory.

Esther Enters Palace

Vashti’s defiance leaves the kingdom in crisis, bringing Esther into the story. In Esther 2:7, she’s introduced as a beautiful young maiden who’s been brought up by Mordecai, her father’s nephew. The kingdom’s young virgins are being gathered and prepared to replace Vashti. Esther is among them. Mordecai instructs her to keep her heritage a secret, and he checks on her daily. Esther is favored by Hegai, keeper of the women. In your daily devotion, there may be steps of preparation that will usher you into God’s divine assignment.  

Esther Made Queen

When it’s Esther’s turn to see the king, she goes in as the others before her. In verse 17, the king is drawn to Esther:  “And she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.” During this crisis, Esther has become elevated. In this daily devotion, when God gives you favor, it can’t be denied.

Another Crisis

Although Esther is now queen, another crisis is brewing. Haman, a high-ranking officer, is revered at the king’s gate. When he enters, everyone bows, except Mordecai. This angers Haman, and he plots to destroy not just Mordecai but his people. Haman describes the exiled Jews to the king as rebellious, proposing their annihilation. The king signs a decree, and it’s sent throughout the kingdom to prepare everyone for the day of destruction. In today’s daily devotion, the enemy will form a weapon against you that won’t prosper. 

If I Perish, I Perish

The Jewish people mourn deeply because of the wicked decree made against them. Mordecai sends a copy to Esther, asking her to speak to the king. Esther sends word back that it’s against the law to approach the king without a summons. In verse 14, Mordecai tells her that God can deliver the Jews through other means, but warns that her silence won’t protect her. Then he asks, “And who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion?” 

Esther decides to enter the king’s court without an invitation. She calls for a fast avowing, “If I perish, I perish.” The king receives Esther and promises to grant any request she makes. At the end of a two-day banquet, she tells the king of Hamon’s evil plot, and he sentences him to death. In your daily devotion, God can turn any situation around if you trust Him. 

King of Kings

In Thursday’s daily devotion, note that Jesus was plotted against by religious leaders who hated him, even though He was God’s Chosen. God chose Esther to save her people, as Jesus saved us from eternal damnation. In your daily devotion, rejoice that when mankind was in crisis, Jesus wrought our salvation.