Decisions, decisions, decisions–they are a daily part of our journey in this life. We cannot avoid the choices that await us. I am so very thankful for the privilege of communication with the Lord, for His Word, and for fellow believers on my journey. I do not know where I would be if it were not for these tools God has given me to guide me down life’s path.
I am bombarded by decisions all day long. Some decisions are small and simple like small, smooth stones, but others are large and intimidating like rough, jagged, mountains. I am so thankful I do not have to hike these mountainous decisions in my own strength. The Heavenly Father will walk with me and many times even carry me through. When I reach the other side, I realize how silly I was to worry or doubt what was on the other side of the mountain.
Through many choices, good and bad, I’ve come to realize when God calls me to do something not only does He equip me to do it, but He also carries me through it with His perfect and unlimited strength. When I reflect on all of the poor decisions I have made in my life and the wrong paths I’ve chosen, I regret not trusting Him and utilizing the tools He provided to help me continue on the right path. I realize that my choices affect the lives of others as well. I wonder what my life or the lives of others would be like now had I chosen to be strong and walk in faith.
Sometimes I complicate my life with clutter, inhibiting God’s plans. Choosing to do too many things or things that are good, but not beneficial, I need to seek God on these. Many times I make my life, my job, and my calling complicated. I listen to the voices and patterns of this world. This never ends well. Filling my life with good things fine, but if those “good” things distract or overwhelm me they aren’t beneficial. I realize I just need to get back to the basics of my life. God has given me everything I need. The “bells and whistles” of life can entangle us in overcommittment, busyness, needless activities and worries that draw me away from my relationship with God.
I’ve had many scary decisions to make in my life. I won’t dwell on the wrong choices I’ve made, because I know those have been forgiven and forgotten. There are too many choices to count, but I am thankful for the good ones: accepting Jesus as my Savior, marriage, purchasing a home, children, working part time from home, homeschooling, changing churches, healthier living, witnessing to others. Some of these are not as significant as others, but with every single one I can remember feeling God’s hand in mine. For each of these choices, which took faith, there has been a remarkable outcome. No amount of weighing my options or sleepless nights could have every revealed to me the blessings and spiritual strength God has given me simply for walking by faith.
Don’t get me wrong, it is not always easy to walk in faith. The enemy tries to sneak in some doubt wherever he can. However, it is much easier to walk in faith when we aren’t overwhelmed by the unnecessary instead of simply living in the basics of life. Declutter your life and work of the unnecessary things, even the good ones. When you are faced with a decision, you’ll be able to clearly see and hear the Lord in it.
Search His Word, pray and listen for His answer, request prayer and seek wise counsel from fellow believers. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:6. Thirst, hunger, and search for His will in your life, and He will not only help you make the decision, but He will also walk with you hand in hand as you go through the unknown. When you reach the other side of the mountain He will still be there and your relationship with Him will be stronger than ever, uncluttered by the unnecessary. You will be blessed beyond measure, and your choices will make a difference in the lives of others!
