Righteous decisions can make the difference between taking the wide or the narrow road along our spiritual journey. We must recognize that we will wander from our Savior without the Lord’s help of the Holy Spirit. When difficult times occur in life, and they will, our sinful flesh desires to choose the comfortable, easy path. Knowing this, we can surrender our flesh to the Lord and be determined to do what is right in His eyes.
Scripture gives us insight when we struggle, want to give into our flesh, and need God’s help. Hebrews 4:16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There, we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. [1] Often, when we are at a significant intersection in life, we desperately need the Lord’s help. To rely on ourselves at critical times along our spiritual journey is to crash and burn.
Esther Must Make a Difficult Decision
Hamon conceived of a plot to kill the Jews in the Persian empire and conveyed it to King Xerxes using deception. He claimed that certain people did not keep the king’s laws, which was a lie. Without much thought, the king approved Hamon’s plan, although he did not know that these certain people were Jews.
Not long before this, the King of Persia searched for a new Queen throughout the empire, and chose Esther. Although Jewish, she did not tell any of the king’s officials. With this decree in place to kill the Jews, her cousin Mordecai wanted her to intercede for the Jews before the King.
Esther told Mordecai she was reluctant to go before the king because, without being asked, she risked death. Mordecai responded with a thought-provoking question. Esther 4:14If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this? [2]
Esther Decided on a Plan
Esther told Mordecai to gather the Jews of Susa to fast her. We are left to assume that this included prayer. Esther 4:16 My maids and I will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die. [3] Esther’s righteous decision was the first step in the Lord using her to save her fellow Jews. God’s word gives us great strength to make the right choices.
- James 1:12:God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.[4]
- Galatians 6:9:So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.[5]
- 1 Cor. 16:13:Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.[6]
To learn more about righteous decisions, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/for-such-a-time
[1-6] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.