In what ways can we seek God's guidance in decision-making like Esther 3:7? Setting the Scene: Esther 3:7 and the Practice of Casting Lots “In the first month, the month of Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Xerxes, they cast the Pur (that is, the lot) before Haman to determine a day and a month. And the lot fell on the twelfth month, the month of Adar.” (Esther 3:7) • In Persia, lots were viewed as a way to tap into the divine realm, yet God overruled this pagan practice to fit His redemptive plan. • Proverbs 16:33 reminds us, “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.” God’s sovereignty guided even Haman’s choice, though his motive was evil. Recognizing God’s Hand Over Every Decision • Psalm 33:11 — His counsel “stands forever.” • Daniel 4:35 — No one can thwart His will. • Esther’s story confirms that unseen providence shapes visible outcomes. Ways Believers Today Seek God’s Guidance • Immersing in Scripture – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) – 2 Timothy 3:16-17 equips for “every good work.” • Prayerful Dependence – “Do not be anxious… but in everything, by prayer and petition… present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6-7) – “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God.” (James 1:5) • Fasting and Earnest Seeking – Esther 4:15-16—fasting precedes courageous action. – Acts 13:2-3—fasting and prayer launched missionary work. • Waiting on the Lord – Psalm 27:14; Isaiah 40:31 — strength rises in patient trust. • Listening to the Holy Spirit – John 16:13—He guides “into all truth.” – Galatians 5:16—walk by the Spirit, not the flesh. • Seeking Godly Counsel – “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14, cf. 15:22) • Observing Providential Circumstances – Romans 8:28—He weaves all things for good. – Revelation 3:7—He opens and shuts doors no one else can. • Spirit-Led Communal Discernment – Acts 15:28—“It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us.” – Hebrews 10:24-25—sharpen one another toward love and good deeds. Learning from Ancient Practices Without Repeating Their Errors • Casting lots was occasionally sanctioned (Joshua 18:6; Acts 1:24-26) but never presented as a routine model after Pentecost. • The Spirit now indwells believers, providing continuous guidance superior to chance methods. Practical Steps for Today’s Decisions 1. Define the decision in light of clear biblical commands. 2. Saturate your mind with relevant Scripture passages. 3. Commit specific time to prayer and, when weighty, add fasting. 4. Invite mature believers to pray and speak truth into the process. 5. Evaluate each option against biblical principles and personal motives. 6. Note providential alignments or hindrances God may be arranging. 7. Choose the path that best aligns with Scripture and the Spirit’s peace (Colossians 3:15). 8. Act in faith, giving thanks, and remain willing to adjust as God further directs. Encouragement for the Journey • Proverbs 3:5-6 — “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… and He will make your paths straight.” • Romans 12:1-2 — A surrendered life is the soil where discerning God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will becomes a daily reality. |
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