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.
