How Do You Decide?

As the old saying goes, 'Time marches on.' Seems like only a few years ago, my husband and I were bringing our daughter home from the hospital. But in March, she left the glorious teen years behind - a new decade unfolding before her.

Remember being twenty? I do. Life was full of decisions - what college major to pursue, what job to apply for, who to date? Things haven't changed that much. A twenty-year-old still faces lots of decisions. Don't we all? I'm glad there's Someone available to guide that decision-making process, no matter how old we are!

Decisions don't always seem that important to me. Sure, I pray for direction concerning the seemingly 'big' things, but sometimes I fool myself into thinking I can handle the 'small' decisions. As I perused the clothes racks at the mall recently, I was excited to find lots of things on clearance. I was tempted to scoop up a number of items and head back to the dressing room...until I remembered the reason for my trip to the store. I didn't need winter clothes, I was looking for a spring outfit. Logic triumphed over emotional spending! Lesson learned. Oftentimes, it's the little things that take me furthest off course.

God wants me to come to Him anytime I need direction. In fact, He encourages me to ask for wisdom, "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; KJV). Because Jesus lived on this earth, He knows the difficulties I face. He endured temptations, yet He never sinned. He extends an incredible 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).

The more I read and study God's Word, the better equipped I am to make good decisions - whether big or small. The Apostle Paul was quick to remind the Corinthians to do everything for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).Today, I'm determined to trust the Lord, and acknowledge Him in all I do, knowing that He will direct my paths! (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Are you facing lots of decisions? What step are you willing to take to seek direction from the Lord?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for caring about every decision I make. Help me ask for Your wisdom, and be obedient to the direction You give. In Jesus' name, Amen.

*This article appeared in the March 2012 edition of My Forsyth.

The High Road

There was only one way to describe the temperature: frigid. With freezing rain pelting our special riding gear, it was impossible to tell we were on the island of Maui. Hawaii was supposed to be all about sunshine and warm temperatures. But on the summit of Haleakala in February, cloud cover and cold temperatures ruled. 

My husband, Steve, and I had scheduled what we thought would be a fun, sun-filled day of horseback riding into the crater of Haleakala National Park. Our guide would lead us down, into the crater, through amazing landscape. We'd enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back up the mountain. The ride was supposed to last approximately five hours - including our stop for lunch.

As we began the descent over the rim of the crater, it was impossible to see due to the rain. With the wind blowing the tiny ice crystals into our faces, we were thankful for the rubber raingear provided by our guide. Our horses seemed unaffected by the cold, and followed the lead horse without hesitation.

When the icy rain changed to a cool mist, I was finally able to pay more attention and take in the scenery. And I made a discovery. Although my horse, Sully, was following the guide's horse, when we came to a section of trail where there was an option, Sully took the section of trail with the higher incline. I thought it might just be a coincidence, but every time we came to a place where he had a choice, he repeatedly took the 'high road.' He never stumbled. And he was able to maintain his footing while walking down the steep mountain.

I couldn't help relating his behavior to my decisions in life. When I'm given the option, do I immediately select the high road, or do I settle for following the status quo? The truth is, I have to be aware of the consequences of my actions and carefully think through how they'll affect not only myself, but others as well.

Just like my horse, Sully, was leading the horse and rider behind him, I also have people who look up to and follow me. While I understand that perfection is impossible, am I doing my best to make choices consistent with a life lived for the Savior?

The Apostle Paul spoke about this very subject to the believers in Thessalonica. He encouraged the Christians to do some things: build each other up, avoid quarreling, comfort the frightened, rejoice, pray, and be thankful (1 Thessalonians 5:11-18). He also warned them to avoid some things: laziness, and situations which could draw them into evil.  His words serve as a good reminder "Abstain from all appearance of evil," (1 Thessalonians 5:22; KJV).

It may not be possible to avoid all evil, since I live in a sinful world, but the next time I'm faced with a decision, I'll remember Sully, and choose to avoid temptation and take the 'high road.'

What about you? What step will you take to avoid temptation and take the high road today?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the many lessons You teach us through Your creation. Help me to remember that others are following me. Give me the wisdom and courage to take the high road when I'm tempted. In Jesus' name, Amen. 

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.