In what ways can we ensure our decisions align with God's will today? Setting the Scene: Esther 3:11’s Sobering Example “The king said to Haman, ‘The money and the people are given to you; do with them as you see fit.’ ” King Ahasuerus hands Haman unchecked authority. No consultation with God, no moral safeguard—only human preference. The tragedy that follows reminds us how disastrous purely self-directed choices can be. What Happens When God’s Voice Is Ignored • Unchecked autonomy breeds oppression and injustice. • Human plans, however clever, cannot outmaneuver God’s sovereignty (Esther 6:1-10). • Believers today must resist the pull of “do as you see fit” and instead anchor every decision to God’s revealed will. Essential Steps for Decisions That Please God 1. Saturate your mind with Scripture • “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) • Regular reading trains the conscience to recognize God-honoring options. 2. Pray for wisdom • “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5) • Prayer invites divine insight beyond human calculation. 3. Examine motives in the light of God’s glory • “And whatever you do…do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Colossians 3:17) • Ask, “Will this choice showcase Christ or merely advance me?” 4. Seek godly counsel • “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22) • Mature believers often spot blind spots we overlook. 5. Test options against clear biblical commands • God never leads contrary to His written Word (e.g., honesty, sexual purity, justice). 6. Weigh providential circumstances • Open doors, closed doors, and timing can confirm or redirect (Acts 16:6-10). 7. Wait for Spirit-given peace • “The peace of God…will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) • Rushed pressure can signal flesh; settled assurance often marks the Spirit’s leading. 8. Obey what God has already shown • “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed…Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2) • Clarity grows as we walk in the light we possess. Scripture Connections That Guide Every Choice • Proverbs 3:5-6 — trust, acknowledge, and watch God straighten the path. • Psalm 37:4-5 — delight in Him, commit your way, and He will act. • John 10:27 — sheep hear the Shepherd’s voice; relational closeness precedes direction. • Galatians 5:16 — walk by the Spirit to avoid flesh-driven outcomes. Practical Walk-Through • Career move: compare job description with biblical values (integrity, service) and family responsibilities; pray, seek counsel, wait for peace. • Relationship decision: measure against Scripture’s call to purity and unity in Christ; involve mature believers. • Financial choice: budget through the lens of stewardship (Proverbs 3:9-10); plan generosity first. • Ministry opportunity: ensure motives are Christ-centered (Philippians 1:20), not ego-centered; confirm giftedness and timing. Encouragement for the Journey God delights to lead willing hearts. Unlike Ahasuerus, He never leaves us to figure life out alone. As we submit every step to His unchanging Word, pray in dependence, and remain sensitive to the Spirit, our decisions will increasingly reflect His perfect, loving will. |
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