Choices
for the Lord had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom. 2 Samuel 17:14b, KJV.
For me, Absalom’s choice between two counselors is less about advice and more about his rebellion against God and his father, David. His downfall wasn’t due to poor counsel, but a heart set on the wrong path, causing God to bring disaster on him.
God gives us free will, and our choices shape our destiny. Each day, we decide whether to follow wise counsel or go our own way. Every stage of life brings decisions with lasting consequences.
God sees how we use free will. Will we follow the Spirit or choose selfishly? Jesus calls us to deny ourselves and follow Him, even if it means loss. Ken often said, "Choose to lose or choose the world." God’s way brings peace, even when it’s hard. Must we always seek to win, or can we lose and find His peace?
Recently, my neighbor bullied me. God told me not to fight back but to trust Him. Remembering Psalm 37:10b, "Yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more," I chose not to respond with hostility or report him. Now, that neighbor is gone.
Once I asked Ken, “Why should it be so hard? If we’re saved by grace, why face hardship?”
He answered:…it is not that we choose hardships; we choose to follow wherever He may lead... He leads us to the cross, the dying of our self or selfishness so that we may be filled by His Spirit and live for Him and others. He says, ‘To him who overcomes… I will give…’ If we follow Him, He will create circumstances that will allow us the opportunity to overcome basic selfishness, the Self.”—Ken and Cathy Esplin, “The Little Tree” in Escape from Laodicea (ed. R.L. Hall, p. 121)
Will we choose selfishly, or surrender to the Holy Spirit? As for me, I’d rather lose in this world and gain God’s peace, resting close to Him, finding shelter under His wings.
Cathy Esplin.