Monday, January 23, 2012

It Matters



Decisions, decisions. Some big. Some small. My husband, Steve, and I made a big decision to go on a mission trip to South Africa, half a world away. A different culture. A different time zone, with different currency, and a million unknowns. You better believe we prayed about this decision. So many variables that we have no control over. But we’re trusting the Lord with those unknowns.

What about the decisions I make from day to day? I have to admit, I’m often guilty of leaving God out of the small decisions. You know, the ones that I think I can handle, like managing my time and making wise purchases. Yet, how many times have I gotten to the end of a day only to realize I was distracted and didn’t accomplish much? Or I caved in to the temptation to buy something I didn’t need?

Even heroes of the Bible have struggled with this one. Remember Joshua? He was faithful to lead the children of Israel into the Promised Land after forty years of wandering in the wilderness. He followed the Lord’s battle plan when the Israelites went up against Jericho. The results were amazing – after marching around the city and shouting, the walls fell down flat, and the Israelites took the city. Clearly, God was with them!

Bolstered by an incredible victory, Joshua sent some of his men to spy out the next land of conquest, Ai. And boy, did the men bring back a positive report. Taking this city would be a breeze – there were hardly any inhabitants. Only a few soldiers would be needed to fight this battle. Joshua listened to the advice of the spies with horrific results: thirty six men were killed and the rest of the soldiers fled before the men of Ai.

What? How could this have happened? Because Joshua thought this battle would be a piece of cake, he forgot to consult God. The odds were in the Israelites favor, it was an easy decision – no need to bother God. Joshua realized his mistake and prayed to the Lord. God told him there was sin in the camp. One of the Israelites had stolen something that the Lord had expressly forbidden. Until the sin was dealt with, the Israelites could not move forward.

Joshua learned his lesson. He dealt with the sin problem according to the Lord’s directives and was reassured, “Fear not, neither be thou dismayed: take all the people of war with thee, and arise, go up to Ai: see, I have given into thy hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land,” (Joshua 8:1; KJV).

God’s ways are not our ways. A lot of times I learn that the hard way. Big decisions or small ones, God wants me to ask His advice every time. He’s extended a special invitation,”…come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need,” (Hebrews 4:16). Today I’m going to accept His invitation!

Do you find yourself asking for God’s guidance for the big decisions, but leaving Him out of the everyday choices? What step will you take today to include Him in the small things?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for caring about every detail of my life. Forgive me when I try to do things in my own strength. Help me to take advantage of your invitation to come boldly before Your throne of grace with all the decisions I need to make. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 








16 comments:

  1. Good post Maria, I struggle with that sometimes. Don't want to be indecisive in every little thing, yet at the same time seek the Lord in everything.

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    1. Marja - Great to see you, my friend! It's neat to know that the Lord wants to be intimately involved in our lives! What a gracious God we serve! Have a blessed week. Hugs! :)

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  2. Monday blessings to you Maria, Loved this post and find it so applicable to my life as well.However as I study the book of James, I again realize I must seek His Wisdom in all areas as well. Thank you for this reminder.
    Hugs today. Noreen

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    1. Noreen - Hello! Wonderful to see you! Yes, the book of James gives us the fantastic verses on wisdom. One of my favorites: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him - James 1:5

      Enjoy your week! Hugs and blessings!

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  3. My desire is to trust the Lord for everything, but sometimes I press ahead without considering asking for guidance. While I have a general trust that He oversees each aspect of my life, I am working on a better mindset in that area.

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    1. Karen - Great to see you! I can definitely relate to your comment! I'm discovering more and more, that I must be deliberate in my relationship with the Lord - yes, He's in control, but I must seek His wisdom and guidance for life's decisions. So thankful for His grace and mercy! Have a blessed week! Hugs!

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  4. I just love your videos. Thanks for doing them. I'm getting better on relying on Him for somethings, but others could use some work. Thanks for the reminder. It's so easy to just go through life and make quick decisions, when a little prayer could go a long way.
    Thanks so much!
    Have a safe and wonderful trip to South Africa.

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    1. Kristen - Hello, my friend! So glad the videos are an encouragement to you - I appreciate your sweet words! And you're absolutely right, prayer about big AND small things makes all the difference. Hoping to do some videos while we're in South Africa! Your prayers are much appreciated! Hugs & Blessings!

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  5. Love the video!!! I sometimes forget to include God in my small decisions, but that is something I am working on because I believe it's the smaller things that add up to make the bigger things, like blessings. Thanks for the reminder! Have a wonderful week!!!

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    1. KC - Good to see you! So glad the video was an encouragement! Good insight on the small things adding up to making those bigger decisions. It's easy to fall into the trap of relying on self, instead of God. Not where I want to be! Have a fantastic week, full of the Lord's blessings! Hugs!

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  6. Oh yeah, I'm guilty of those smaller decisions. Sometimes it's that I don't want to take the time to pray, just keep moving. Thanks for reminding me that even when it seems right, I still need to consult Him!

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    1. Susan - Thanks so much for stopping by! I know exactly what you're talking about. I struggle with sticking to my agenda at all costs, sometimes! You bring up a great point: just because something SEEMS right, doesn't mean it is.

      Have a super week! Hugs & blessings! :)

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  7. I enjoyed your vlog so much, Maria! I've learned that God wants to bless me and help me out in the small stuff as much as what I consider big.

    Another great life lesson!

    Is that your piano? Your vlog are so tastefully done. I just LOVE them!

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  8. I do that, too, Maria. Making the little decisions is like operating on auto pilot. Only after the fact do I think, hey, I could've asked God for help. Thanks for the reminder that we have the privilege to come before God with anything, no matter how big or small!

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  9. If there's one thing I've learned in life it's that there are no "small" decisions. All those seemingly insignificant choices add up to big events/consequences.

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  10. Such an awesome vlog. I loved seeing and hearing you, Maria. And you are right on with your message. In the big things, it's easy to see how we need His guiding, but He wants to be part of our everyday lives. Thanks for the reminder!

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