I’ve often heard that life is just a series of decisions. Yikes. That is a daunting thought for those of us who have trouble making them! Some people have indifferent personalities, while some want to make decisions, but are afraid to for fear of what might happen. I’ve always been one of the latter. Its so much easier to let others decide what to do and I’ll just follow along. I’m not a risk taker or one who lives “on the edge”. I am especially not one to easily tell others what to do. I have also always craved the security of planning things out and being prepared. If things are all in their place, the world is in harmony. Yeah right. How life has taught me otherwise. Now, this is certainly not an argument for chaos and living life by the seat of your pants, but it is one for adapting to adversity and being okay with that. Man, that is tough…
At the time of this writing, we are amid a time of decision as a family. As many of you know, we have been preparing and planning our mission trip to Guatemala to serve in a local orphanage there. We have hosted numerous concerts, fundraisers, product sales, meetings, and more to help make a way for this trip to happen. Over the last few weeks we have seen the enemy try and erode our efforts. I have always understood how Satan wants to destroy every good work for the Lord, but have not seen it as much as I have recently. He has come in between some of the people involved and created hostility and anger. He has also tried to discourage us by allowing our hearts to be distracted by recent geographic events. Unbelievably, Guatemala has been hit by a destructive volcano eruption, followed two days later by a massive tropical storm, causing landslides and sinkholes. People have died and many others have become homeless. Thousands of others have been evacuated from the homes. People have been affected very dramatically and it has caused many to be afraid…including us. Now what? Well, one way Satan works against us is in our fear. But we also have a promise in scripture. 2 Timothy 1:7 encourages us that “God did not give us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” Awesome words. When posed with a decision that could possibly have some risk attached, we start to shy away. I know I do. So in this time, our strength is gained from reading and meditating on His word. We will continue to follow the Lord’s leading and finish the work he has called us to do…
We may still find out that we cannot go to Guatemala, but there is peace in knowing that is up to the Lord. We will keep on until God closes the door if He chooses. I know that some people will probably not read this until after all of this has or has not happened, but it is just an example of what we all need to learn about life. God gives us the liberty to make our own decisions, but all the while, He is standing by to guide us if we humble ourselves and ask. We need to be encouraged that our decisions should be based on fact and not fear. I am beginning to see that decisions become much easier when we find out all we can about the situation, pray for wisdom, and then make the decision. Then we can ask for God to bless the decision because we have done all we can feasibly do in preparation. One thing we shouldn’t do is beg God to “give us a sign” because that is not faith. It is laziness. Faith is about learning all you can, making a decision based on fact, and trusting the Lord to bless your actions if that is His will. Tough one, eh?
What decisions do you have to make today? This week? This year? Are you willing to put the energy forth to do what you can and trust that God is walking along with you all the way? I, for one, will vow to do this in my life. I have failed at it so many times, but praise God for His grace and unconditional love to give me another chance. May He grant you strength to deal with whatever you have in front of you. Just be sure to not let fear get in your way…
