2021.02.28 Can There Be More Than One Answer?

Can There Be More Than One Answer?

Me

Today, I want to address a question pastors are asked fairly regularly. I can almost guarantee you’ve had this question. You’ve been in a situation that seems like there may be more than one possible answer.

How does a Christian make such a choice?

I’ll get to that question, but there’s a question before that one that I need to hit first: CAN there be more than one answer?

Does God design only one plan, and if you veer from the plan, are you doomed?

The real heart of this question is the question: “Can God work within our mistakes to bring about His will?”

God

You heard a little bit of Esther’s story a minute ago, but you may not know the rest of the story, so let me give the Reader’s Digest version:

Esther was chosen as one of the queens in a foreign land while Jews are in exile.

King is tricked into signing an order of execution for all Jews

Esther is torn because she risks her own life speaking to the king without his invitation.

Her uncle Mordecai gives her godly counsel in today’s passage…so what did he say?

Esther gives an excuse as to why she can’t be used by God.

Just like Moses said, “I stutter … I can’t speak for you, God!”

Just like Jonah ran away from Nineveh

Just like we all recoil from the specific calling of God sometime or another.

Esther says she can’t, when she really means, “I choose not to!”

Mordecai warns her that she and her family will not escape the King’s edict, and then he tells her…

“If you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place!”

Esther is faced with a decision, and Mordecai tells her, “You can’t thwart God’s will! He will win the day with you or without you!”

So there certainly can be multiple answers, and our decision will NEVER harm God … but it may harm us.

Jesus often answers an unasked question in response to the Pharisees when they pose the wrong question. So I’ve answered the question posed, “Can there be more than one answer?” but let’s look at the real question that’s not being asked.

Having Confidence in Decision Making - How do I choose between two options that both seem equal?

We are all familiar with the dilemma of choosing the lesser of two evils.

Are there times when we are faced with the dilemma of discerning the greater of two goods?

First, accept the freedom that comes from knowing you cannot thwart God’s will! He will win the day, even if you make the worst decision possible! So claim that freedom!

The repercussions are on us, not Him.

Second, realize that God gives us decision-making power for a reason. He WANTS us to have free will … otherwise we wouldn’t have it. Part of God’s will is that you would have the ability to make decisions!

Paul - “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Phi 1:21 NAU)

Because for me, living serves Christ and dying is even better. (Phi 1:21 CEB)

Sounds like the greater of two goods to me.

Paul – “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Rom 8:28 NASB)

If I love God and I screw up,

He will still love me

He will still keep me

He will indeed work all things for my good … EVEN when I mess it up.

So, have confidence in your ability to make decisions!

Is It God or Is It Me? God’s preference vs. mine

Confirmation from God’s Word

Does one decision conflict with God’s Word? Then it’s OUT!!!

Has God spoken clearly about this?

Has God not spoken directly about this topic?

THERE IS GREY AREA IN SCRIPTURE!

My inner conviction

What does my gut say?

Can God speak to us through our “gut”? Sure

Don’t discount your feelings about a certain decision

Just remember we’re looking for what’s RIGHT or BEST, not what we WANT

Practical circumstances

How does the situation speak?

Does it “look” like something is more likely to be God’s desire than something else?

Picture Jesus in the circumstance and think about which choice He may make

Does it look like God may be moving in a certain direction?

Counsel of mature, godly friends

Choose friends wisely

Ungodly friends will lead in ungodly ways

The righteous is a guide to his neighbor, But the way of the wicked leads them astray. (Pro 12:26 NAU)

New believers may not be the best source of wisdom yet.

Maturity in the things of God is important.

Trust the wisdom of your mature, godly friends

God placed them in your life and wants to use them for your good

One Example : Me and Annette

Confirmation of God’s Word

Not a clear statement about which woman God wants me with

Resisted when God seemed to be putting us together because, “That’s what I want, it can’t be what God wants.”

BUT SOMETIMES GOD WANTS THE SAME THING WE DO!

Inner Conviction

I really felt pulled to Annette

I felt more than just “she’s attractive”

I felt a connection to Annette (best friends)

Practical Circumstances

Both in long-distance relationships

Both growing in Christ because of where we were placed

Both were pulled from our boyfriend/girlfriend by being where we were placed

The placement seemed to grow a tighter bond between the two of us

Counsel of mature, godly friends

ALL of our friends told us long before we recognized it that we were a “good couple”

People we didn’t know presumed we were dating because they could see we were so close.

Both sets of parents were overjoyed to see prior relationships end, but they were also extreme in their support of our relationship.

So whatever decision you’r facing:

Does God’s word say anything about it?

What’s your inner conviction say?

Do the practical circumstances say anything about the various options?

What do your mature, godly friends think?