Power to Choose
The decisions you make today matter. Every decision points your life in the direction you are about to travel. No decision is an isolated choice. It’s a chain of events. If you choose wisely, your future will reflect that. But if you don’t choose wisely, the decisions you make now will take you to places you don’t want to be later. Lysa TerKeurst
Each day, we are faced with choices. The minute we wake up in the morning, there are choices to be made. What will we have for breakfast? What will we wear? What is the best route to take to work – shall we trust Google to avoid the traffic, or use our normal route? When and if we will take a break during our morning. The wording in the emails we write. Then there are the more important choices we need to make, such as the career path we should take. The schools our children attend. The business opportunities to say yes or no to. The choice of a life partner. The choices we need to make are endless and can sometimes be overwhelming.
Our choices, even those we deem less important, can be life-defining not just for ourselves, but also for those in our sphere of influence. Our choices have consequences. But we have the power to choose. That’s just the amazing thing we as human beings are able to do. But are we able to make the right choices? Are we, with our limited discernment and insight, able to make choices that will have the best outcome for us?
As followers of Jesus Christ, we need to make wise and Godly choices. So how do we know whether the choices we make are Godly? When we need to make life-defining choices, it’s important to ask ourselves the following questions:
v Have our choices been made prayerfully? Have we prayed for wisdom and guidance? Isaiah 30:21 says, "’ Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, This is the way; walk in it.'"
When we talk to God about the choices we are faced with, He will guide us through His Holy Spirit.
v Do our choices align with the Word of God? Psalm 119:105 (ESV) says, “ Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
The Bible is filled with the wisdom and understanding we need and will illuminate the path that we need to take.
v Do our choices reflect who we are as children of God? Matthew 5:16 (ESV) says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
The choices we make should set us apart and cast no doubt in the minds of others, especially those who see us as their role models, that we are children of God.
v Are we glorifying God with our choices? 1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV) says, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God"
We glorify God when we choose that which pleases Him above that which satisfies the flesh - our own natural desires.
As we make these choices, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Lord will lead us on the righteous path He has for us. John 16:13 (NLT) says, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.“
God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with him. Jim Elliot
Reflect
Take time to think about the choices you are faced with at this moment. Will you trust God to show you which choices you need to take so that He may be glorified in your life?
Prayer
Dear Lord, you know the choices I need to make. You see the dilemma I am facing. Guide me, Lord, through Your Word and by Your Holy Spirit so that I can make wise and Godly choices for my life. I pray that the choices I make will align with Your Word and glorify You. Thank You, Lord, that You know what's best for me. Thank You, Lord, that Your plans for me are good. I put my trust and confidence in You only. In Jesus’ name, amen.
