If scholars differ regarding the ruling on a matter, some deeming it permissible and others deeming it forbidden, and I sought guidance from God (performed Istikhara) while needing the opinion of those who deem it permissible, and then I adopted their opinion and the matter became easy for me, am I correct and pleasing to God, despite my respect for the opinion of those who deem it forbidden and my fear that this ease is a form of divine respite (imla')?

Istikharah is not a means of knowing Sharia (definition) rulings. Rather, the layman asks trustworthy people of knowledge to learn the ruling on matters in which there is disagreement. If their fatwas differ, he investigates to determine what he believes to be the truth by looking at the evidence or by following the most reliable scholar. If he believes that one opinion is more likely to be correct, he acts upon it without needing to perform Istikharah. If the opinions are equal in his view, it is said: he chooses, or he takes the stricter opinion, or he takes the easier opinion. The more correct view is that he follows the easier one. In the event that the opinions are equal in his view and no opinion is preferred, it may then be permissible for him to perform Istikharah regarding them.