Steven Buras

It’s okay to ask God for courage. 

Stephen Buras has been a member of St. Alban’s Chapel since 2013.  He regularly serves as a Eucharistic Minister and currently leads the Finance Committee as Treasurer.

In Esther 14:12, Queen Esther prays, “Remember, O Lord; make yourself known in this time of our affliction, and give me courage, O King of the gods and Master of all dominion!”. Her words echo the deep longing for God’s presence and strength when facing overwhelming circumstances.

Click here to read the appointed scripture for the Thursday in the First Week of Lent.

Devotional

Lately I’ve been visiting with a lifelong friend who has a terminal illness. Esther’s prayer strikes a chord with my thoughts as I struggle to know what to say during those visits. There are moments when words fail, when all I can offer is presence. In these moments, I am reminded that true solace is not found in easy answers, but in the courage to be present, to hold space for grief, and to trust that God will give me the courage to persevere.

I feel powerless—unable to change the outcome or ease the suffering. I always want to fix things. In these times, Esther’s plea reminds me that it’s okay to ask God for courage and to trust that God is present. I don’t have to have all the answers; instead, I can bring my fears and hopes to God, trusting that divine love will sustain us both.