How can we seek godly counsel like Esther did with Hegai's advice? Bold Trust in the Word “Now when the turn came for Esther daughter of Abihail … she asked for nothing except what Hegai the king’s eunuch, the custodian of the women, advised.” (Esther 2:15) What We Learn from Esther’s Example • She recognized God’s provision of a wise guide. • She listened rather than insisting on her own ideas. • She acted on the counsel she received. Steps for Seeking Godly Counsel Today 1. Identify Proven, God-Honoring Voices • Look for believers whose lives display consistent obedience (Hebrews 13:7). • Favor those appointed for equipping the saints—pastors, elders, mature mentors (Ephesians 4:11-12). • Confirm their counsel aligns with the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). 2. Cultivate a Humble Heart • “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). • Approach counselors to learn, not to be affirmed. • Esther’s humility made room for Hegai’s wisdom. 3. Weigh Advice by Scripture • “The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy” (Psalm 19:7). • Like the Bereans, test everything against the Word (Acts 17:11). • If counsel contradicts Scripture, discard it—no matter how persuasive. 4. Pray for Discernment • “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God” (James 1:5). • Prayer tunes the heart to recognize Spirit-guided counsel (John 16:13). • Invite the Counselor—the Holy Spirit—to confirm or restrain. 5. Seek a Plurality of Counselors • “In an abundance of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14). • Avoid echo chambers; gather perspectives from several faithful believers. • Contrast Esther’s success with Rehoboam’s folly when he rejected wise elders (1 Kings 12:6-11). 6. Act in Obedience and Faith • Guidance is given to be followed, not admired (Matthew 7:24). • Esther acted immediately—her obedience positioned her for royal favor (Esther 2:17). • Trust that God orders the steps of the righteous (Psalm 37:23-24). 7. Express Gratitude and Remain Teachable • A thankful spirit honors those who invest in us (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). • Stay open to ongoing correction; discipleship is lifelong (Proverbs 9:9). Putting It into Practice • List two mature believers you respect; schedule time to seek their insight on a current decision. • Before the meeting, pray through James 1:5, asking for wisdom. • Afterward, compare their counsel with Scripture, and move forward in faith as Esther did. The Promise “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it.” (Psalm 37:5) |
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