After Mordecai confronted Esther with the new law and its consequences through a risky move, Esther decided to risk her life for the people of her heritage and to bring the matter before the king after a three-day fast with prayer. She said, "So will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish." She took action, went before the king, risked her life, changed his mind, and saved her people.
This is a truly remarkable example of the principle of giving up. Esther was willing to give up everything in order to rise. This willingness to make a sacrifice for the cause of her people makes her a truly great leader.
Esther 4:11-17
11 All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.
12 And they told to Mordecai Esther's words.
13 Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews.
14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
15 Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer,
16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
17 So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.
Of course, leaders take this step only when their cause becomes more important than their own life. Jesus challenged his disciples to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow him (Matthew 16:24). Elsewhere Jesus says that whoever wants to keep his life will lose it. But whoever loses his life for my sake will keep it. Esther placed the future of her people above her own instinct for survival, and not only survived herself, but managed to save her whole people as well.
Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Mark 8:35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.