It's the "plague" of the modern world. If you live in the good ol' U.S.A., you are forced to make daily decisions at every turn. Western society, in particular, is bombarded with a plethora of options, not to mention (often unsolicited) copious advice from well-intentioned people. The crushing weight of choices can burden the best of us.
In general, this month marks the very start of the harvest season. It is fitting to consider that each decision is a seed sown for a potential harvest. Specifically, this September is synonymous with decisions. Which political candidate will I support? Should I start over and relocate, or do I stay here and wait out the storm? Should I buy or rent? Is there a better career opportunity for me? Marriage or single-mindedness? Will I be a goal-setting student, or will I just scrape by, unwilling to go all in for academic pursuits this semester? Will I make the world a better place or will I live for my own convenience? Will I choose the path of least resistance or be the voice of dissent when necessary?
My journey in math included a palpable fear of the unknown variable; the algebra of a decision has been known to send me into full-blown panic mode. I would much rather know the value of x at the outset. I prefer a clear plan and a logical formula. When you reach a fork in the road, ask yourself which one is more likely to lead down the path of destiny. Don’t confuse that with the most sensible option or the one that statistically leads to greater success. Ask God which road is part of your unique journey, even if it means that you walk alone. The people who leave a legacy often walk a road of sacrifice, much to the chagrin of others. Don’t expect these choices to be celebrated; they often buck conventional wisdom.
One decision can alter the course of humanity. Jesus made the decision to intercept judgment and reclaim our value when he willingly laid down His life. To a lesser degree, we are called to make the decision to lay down our lives-- but in that moment, we find a renewed sense of purpose. My pastor recently told the congregation the story behind the song, "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus." The lyrics are based on the last words of a man in Northeast India, who was faced with an angry village chief and a decision to renounce Jesus Christ or face certain death. This man witnessed the execution of his family and then, unflinchingly, became a martyr. The result? Revival fires and a converted village chief.
How can one decision change everything? Just ask the woman who grew so tired of her condition that she broke protocol to touch the hem of Jesus' garment. How do decisions empower us? Decisions break the power of fear over our lives and offer a clear path forward. Decisions bring God’s best into our lives, or they paralyze us. Holy Spirit is waiting in the wings to bring insight for important decisions, but we must invite His illumination. As I write this blog, I am struggling with many unknown variables pertaining to my hurricane-damaged home. There are no easy decisions, and the complex equation boggles my mind. Even so, I know that there is a miracle with my name on it! What about you?
Finally, I would be remiss to leave out the heroes whose selfless decisions shifted the outcome for so many people on September 11, 2001. (You will never be forgotten.) The gravity of ordinary decisions hinges on the word "IF." Some World Trade Center employees stayed home that day because of a "feeling" and others because of a "serendipitous circumstance," but these choices were life-altering. One good decision with God in the mix can change the course of your life. Get your hearing checked because direction often comes in the faintest whisper. 😉The missing variable is God; open the door and bring Him into the equation and you will find infinite solutions. He alone is “THE IF FACTOR.”
2 Chronicles 7: 14 (KJV)
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Wow, Wendy! I feel this is one of your most powerful blogs. I feel like you were inviting your readers to know our Lord, or at the very least, to remember in our busy lives to listen to Him.