Why do you do what you do? Why do you plan Sunday school lessons for four-year-olds? Why do you go bowling with a group of junior high kids? Why do you sit on the floor with a group of kids every week, trying to explain God's ways to them, trying to listen to them and bring truth to bear on the crazy situations they face?

Almost anyone who participates in Christian ministry, whether paid or volunteer, whether for children, teens, or adults, would say that somehow, they hope to be a difference-maker. They want to influence other people (maybe, very small people) for Christ.

How do we do that? Each of us might answer that question differently, but we can learn from the difference-makers whose stories are told in the pages of Scripture.

One of the great heroines of the Bible, Esther, made a difference by speaking truth. We can learn a lot about how to make a difference by looking at her life. You know the story. You've probably told it to kids in your ministry.

King Xerxes falls in love with ...