Nelson's Annual Preacher's Sourcebook, Volume 4 by O. S. Hawkins

Author:O. S. Hawkins
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: ebook
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Published: 2014-08-01T00:00:00+00:00

Making the Tough Call: Decision Making When It Counts

Esther 4:1–17

Jamie Rasmussen

Introduction

History has been filled with courageous men and women (whether you agree with them or not) who have had the guts to make a tough call, built upon a timely decision that was both risky and thrilling at the same time. For any of us who have had any involvement in making bold but risky decisions, we know that making awesome and daring decisions is a lot easier said than done. And if you can relate to this at all, you can relate to Esther in the toughest decision she had to make.

Tough Things Require a Difficult Decision

Mordecai’s righteous refusal to bow to Haman has brought on the projected annihilation of all the Jews in Persia. Mordecai challenges Esther to go to her husband the king to get him to stop Haman’s insane plan (4:4–8). She explains the difficulty of that decision, saying in essence, “If I barge in to plead for our people, it could be the death of me and not much hope for our people!”

Sometimes in life, tough things happen that require a difficult decision. Then, someone comes along who helps us see the decision at hand. Ultimately, though God might seem silent and distant, a decision still needs to be made.

Cost to You and Benefit to Others

Mordecai tells Esther two things that teach timeless truths (4:13–14). First, he tells her she cannot hide nor remain silent. Then he says she must take the risk and act. Go to the king, thinking more of her fellow Jews than of herself and her own safety. She simply responds, “I will go” (4:16).

The world’s system of economics works by the formula cost to others + benefit to you = success. God says, cost to you + benefit to others = success. Consider the decisions you will make if you simply follow this “Esther Ethic” of costing you something and benefiting others.

Commit Your Way to God

Esther asks for the Jews to fast for her, and she commits her life to God’s will (4:16–17). If you apply Esther’s ethic to your parenting, your marriage, work, friendships, finances, or anywhere else you have a crossroads decision, take it to God and simply trust Him by choosing the option that costs you and benefits others, for His sake.

Conclusion

Like Esther, you come to a clear and inarguable crossroads in life. You can’t use Divine distance as an excuse not to make wise, godly, spiritually mature decisions. How do you make decisions at the crossroads, especially when God seems distant? If it costs you and benefits others, commit the decision to God and trust Him to deliver His intended results.

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