COME, FOLLOW ME FAMILY STUDY
August 3–9: “Thou Art Come … for Such a Time as This”
Esther 1-10
Weekly Theme: The Lord Has Prepared Me "for Such a Time as This."
Heavenly Father has placed me where I am for a purpose. As I trust Jesus Christ and courageously choose what is right, He can work through me to bless others.
STUDY TOGETHER
Read the scriptures together, discover what they mean, and learn how they point to Jesus Christ. Each day's study includes a short summary, discussion questions, and simple invitations to help your family grow closer to the Savior.
Monday — Humility Invites the Lord's Guidance
Reading: Esther 1
Focus Scripture: Esther 1:19
Short Summary
King Ahasuerus holds a great feast and commands Queen Vashti to appear before his guests. When she refuses, the king removes her as queen. Though God's name is never mentioned, we begin to see how pride and impulsive decisions can have lasting consequences—and how the Lord quietly begins preparing the way for His purposes.
Questions
What problems were caused by pride in this chapter?
How can humility help us make better choices?
What can we learn from the choices of both the king and Queen Vashti?
Christ-Centered Focus
Jesus Christ always chose humility over pride. He sought His Father's will instead of His own. As we follow Him, He helps us become humble, teachable, and willing to do what is right.
Family Invitation
Look for one opportunity today to quietly serve someone without expecting recognition.
Tuesday — The Lord Prepares Us Before We Need It
Reading: Esther 2
Focus Scripture: Esther 2:17
Short Summary
A search begins for a new queen, and Esther is chosen. She listens to Mordecai's counsel and earns the respect of those around her. Meanwhile, Mordecai uncovers a plot against the king, but his good deed is forgotten. The Lord is quietly preparing both of them for what lies ahead.
Questions
How was Esther being prepared before she knew what Heavenly Father had planned?
How has the Lord prepared you through your family, church, or experiences?
Why is it important to be faithful in small things?
Christ-Centered Focus
Jesus Christ patiently prepares us through everyday experiences, scripture study, prayer, and the Holy Ghost. Even when we don't understand His plan, He is helping us become who we need to be.
Family Invitation
Share one experience that helped prepare you for something important later.
Wednesday — Choose Integrity Over Popularity
Reading: Esther 3
Focus Scripture: Esther 3:2
Short Summary
Haman is promoted and expects everyone to bow before him. Mordecai refuses because of his faithfulness to God. Filled with anger, Haman convinces the king to issue a decree against all the Jews, placing God's covenant people in great danger.
Questions
Why do you think Mordecai refused to bow?
When is it difficult to stand for what is right?
How can we be kind while still standing firm in our beliefs?
Christ-Centered Focus
Jesus Christ always stood for truth, even when He stood alone. He gives us courage to follow Him instead of following the crowd.
Family Invitation
Choose one way today to stand for truth with kindness.
Thursday — God Has a Purpose for Me
Reading: Esther 4
Focus Scripture: Esther 4:14
Short Summary
Mordecai asks Esther to risk her life by pleading with the king to save the Jewish people. Though she is afraid, she asks everyone to fast with her before she acts. Mordecai reminds her that perhaps she was placed in her position "for such a time as this."
Questions
Why was Esther willing to trust the Lord even though she was afraid?
What gifts has Heavenly Father given you to bless others?
How can fasting and prayer help us make difficult decisions?
Christ-Centered Focus
Jesus Christ knows exactly why you are here and how you can bless those around you. As you trust Him, He will help you fulfill the purpose He has prepared for you.
Family Invitation
Complete this sentence:
"Maybe Heavenly Father has placed me here today to..."
Friday — The Lord Works in Quiet Ways
Reading: Esther 5–6
Focus Scripture: Esther 6:1
Short Summary
Esther bravely approaches the king and invites him and Haman to a banquet. That night, the king cannot sleep and discovers that Mordecai was never rewarded for saving his life. In a surprising turn of events, Haman is commanded to honor the very man he hoped to destroy. The Lord quietly works through seemingly ordinary events to accomplish His purposes.
Questions
Which small event changed the course of the story?
When have you recognized the Lord's hand after looking back on an experience?
Why do you think God sometimes works through small, ordinary moments?
Christ-Centered Focus
The Savior often works quietly in our lives. He opens doors, softens hearts, and guides our paths even when we cannot immediately see His hand.
Family Invitation
At dinner or before bed, have each family member share one "tender mercy" they noticed today.
Saturday — Courage Blesses Others
Reading: Esther 7–8
Focus Scripture: Esther 7:3
Short Summary
At the second banquet, Esther courageously reveals Haman's wicked plan. Haman is punished, and although the original law cannot be changed, the king allows the Jews to defend themselves. Esther's courage brings hope and protection to her people.
Questions
What gave Esther the courage to speak?
How can our courage bless someone else?
When has someone else's courage strengthened your faith?
Christ-Centered Focus
Jesus Christ courageously gave His life to save us. As we follow Him, He helps us find courage to speak truth, serve others, and defend what is right.
Family Invitation
Look for someone who could use encouragement today, and do something kind for them.
Sunday — Remember the Lord's Deliverance
Reading: Esther 9–10
Focus Scripture: Esther 9:22
Short Summary
The Jewish people are delivered from their enemies and establish the Feast of Purim to remember the Lord's blessings. Mordecai becomes a trusted leader who seeks the welfare of his people. Their story reminds us to remember God's goodness and continue doing what is right.
Questions
Why do you think the Jews wanted future generations to remember what God had done for them?
How can our family better remember the Lord's blessings?
What has Jesus Christ done for you that you never want to forget?
Christ-Centered Focus
Because of Jesus Christ, we are delivered from sin, death, fear, and hopelessness. As we remember His goodness and His Atonement, our faith grows and our hearts become more grateful.
Family Invitation
End your family study by sharing one blessing you saw from the Lord this week, then offer a prayer thanking Heavenly Father for His guidance and for the Savior.
TEACH TOGETHER
Continue your study with resources designed for families, teachers, and leaders. Use the memory scripture, object lesson, Christ-centered insights, and testimony to help teach with confidence and strengthen faith.
Memory Scripture: Esther 4:14
"...Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"
Invite everyone to repeat one phrase each day. By Sunday, try saying it together from memory.
Watch for Christ
As you read this week, look for ways Jesus Christ is working behind the scenes.
Ask yourself:
How is He preparing someone?
How is He protecting His people?
How is He turning something difficult into something good?
What attribute of Christ is reflected in this story?
Even though God's name isn't mentioned in Esther, His influence can be seen throughout the book.
Object Lesson: The Back of the Tapestry
Supplies
A piece of embroidery, cross-stitch, quilt, woven blanket.
Show everyone the back first.
Ask:
What do you notice?
Does this look like a beautiful picture?
Would you know what the finished design is?
Now turn it over.
Explain:
We usually only see the "back side" of our lives. Some days seem confusing, disappointing, or unfair. Esther probably felt that way too. She couldn't see everything the Lord was doing.
Jesus Christ sees the finished masterpiece. He is weaving together experiences, people, and opportunities to accomplish His purposes.
Read Esther 4:14 together.
Discuss:
How can trusting Jesus Christ give us peace when we don't understand what's happening?
This Week What We Learned About Jesus Christ
This week we discovered that:
Jesus Christ prepares us before we know we need His help.
Jesus Christ is working even when we cannot see Him.
Jesus Christ gives us courage to do difficult things.
Jesus Christ keeps His promises to His covenant people.
Jesus Christ can use ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes.
Jesus Christ invites us to trust Him rather than fear the future.
Closing Testimony
Although God's name never appears in the book of Esther, His hand is present on every page. Sometimes our own lives feel the same way. We may wonder where the Lord is or why certain things are happening. Yet, just as He quietly prepared Esther and Mordecai, Jesus Christ is preparing us. He knows our circumstances, strengthens us through the Holy Ghost, and opens doors we could never open ourselves. As we trust Him, He helps us become the people He knows we can become. We can have confidence that He has a purpose for each of us and that He is always working for our good, even when we cannot yet see the whole picture.
LIVE THE GOSPEL
Learning the gospel changes us as we live it. Accept this week's invitation to apply what you've learned, follow the Savior, and discover the joy that comes from becoming more like Him.
This Week's Invitation
Each morning this week, pray:
"Heavenly Father, help me recognize one way You have prepared me to bless someone today."
Then, each evening, share with your family how you saw the Lord answer that prayer.
You might be surprised to discover that, just like Esther, God has placed you exactly where you are "for such a time as this."
