Thursday, March 10, 2016
We all make decisions on a daily basis. Our routine can start with simple decisions like what to wear today day or what time we must leave the house or what route we need to take, and so forth. None of these require much time and thought, at least they should not. Sooner or later, however, we are all faced with decisions which will definitely impact our lives. That reminds me of the two men who were discussing the decisions they had made in life. One of them proudly reported that he and his wife always shared in their decisions, that she made the small ones and left the important ones to him. When asked to be more specific and say which small decisions she made and which important ones he made, he replied: “Oh, she has decided things like where we should live, which colleges our kids should attend, how to handle our budget, stuff like that.” His friend replied: “Hmnn, and which important decisions have you made?” He answered: “Oh, I decide when it’s time to go buy groceries, do the laundry, wash the dishes, mop the kitchen floor, things like that.” ……..Well, those things are important!
Through the years, many church and family members have confided with me and have asked my opinion on certain decisions they are contemplating. When this happens, I immediately lift up a silent prayer to God to help me say the right words and since I dread giving out the wrong advice, I often tell them to wait until the Lord gives them a more sure answer or else opens a door for them.
Some of you may, at this time, be contemplating an important life decision. I don’t always know the answer to other people’s important decisions but I do know two important truths concerning them. First, we should never make them when we are angry, hurt, confused, bitter, or resentful. In a story in 1 Samuel 25, David had already decided to go kill a man who had offended him and ten of his faithful men. Were it not that the man’s wise and faithful wife intervened with the voice of reason, David would have followed through on his foolish decision. David later praised and thanked her, thanking God that He had sent her, keeping him from something which would have been very hurtful to himself and many others. Second, Jesus speaking on the cost of being His true disciple, said these words: “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? This truth applies to all important decisions. They require much thought and prayer. We must carefully consider the cost and think about all the possible results. In closing, if you are not sure about your important decision, just wait. The Lord will give you all the grace and patience you need. And if you trust Him, your answer will surely come.
Memory verse for the week: (Psalm 118:6) “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
