Come Follow Me 2026 · Week 32
Family Activities
August 3–9 - Esther
This week's one thing
God places each of us in exactly the right position, at exactly the right moment, to do something only we can do.
Opener: The One Candle
Take your family into the darkest room you can manage. Pull every blind, turn off every light. Stand together in the dark for a slow count of ten. Then light one candle. Let everyone look at what happens to the room. Ask: 'Did we need ten candles? Did we need a lamp? What changed?' Then say: 'Esther was one person in a kingdom of millions. But she was in the right room, at the right moment, and she chose to shine.'
God does not need armies to change the world; he places one person in the right room at the right moment.
Scripture Story
The king of Persia is searching for a new queen. He holds a great contest, and from all over the kingdom young women come to the palace. One of them is Esther, a Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai. She is chosen. The king places a crown on her head and she becomes queen of the most powerful empire on earth. Then trouble arrives. A powerful official named Haman hates the Jewish people. He convinces the king to sign a law ordering every Jewish person in the kingdom killed. When Mordecai hears this, he tears his clothes and weeps in the street. He sends Esther a message: 'You have to go to the king. Maybe this is exactly why you became queen.' But going to the king without being invited is against the law, even for the queen. It could mean death. Esther is afraid. She fasts and prays for three days, then puts on her royal robes and walks into the king's court anyway. What do you think Esther was feeling when she took that first step?
Discussion Questions
Little Kids (ages 4–7)
- Have you ever done something scary because someone you love needed help? What happened?
- Mordecai took care of Esther when she had no parents. Who takes care of you when you need help?
Big Kids (ages 8–11)
- Esther could have told herself it was someone else's job to fix this problem. What made her decide it was hers?
- Mordecai said Esther might have become queen for this exact reason. Do you think God arranges things like that? How would you know if you were in the right place at the right time?
Teens
- Esther risked her life for people who had no power to protect themselves. Is there a situation in your life right now where doing the right thing would cost you something real, and what is keeping you from acting?
This Week's Challenge
This week, each person looks for one moment where they are the only one in position to help someone, and they act without waiting to be asked. Report back on Sunday: what did you notice about where you were placed?
Song Suggestions
Queen Esther's Crown
Ages 3-10~10 min- 1
Step 1: Fold the paper lengthwise into thirds to make a long, sturdy strip, then fold that strip in half so you have a thick double-layered band.
- 2
Step 2: Cut triangle points along the top edge of the band to give it a crown shape, then size it to the child's head and tape the ends together.
- 3
Step 3: Draw stars and jewels on the crown with crayons, then wear it while someone retells the story of Esther out loud.
Esther wore a crown, but her real power came from the courage to use her position in service of people who could not help themselves.
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