One of God's Best Gifts

January 11, 2008

By Jerry Scott

The man had a strange complaint.

"I cannot decide," he told me. "There are just too many choices!"

He actually wished, (so he claimed) that his options in life were fewer, as he felt it would make things easier for him. Apparently he is one of the indecisive types, those people who delay making a decision either because they fear they will make the wrong one or because they will not risk offending someone with the choice they make.

I am grateful God has given me so many options in life. Every day I awaken to an array of choices to be made -- ranging from which cereal I will have for breakfast to whether I will choose to honor my Savior with my actions or go my own sinful way in life! I know this as well: the choices I make today have consequences, rippling out into the lives of others and giving shape to my future.

While I recognize there are larger forces at work around me that influence my life in ways I cannot control, I also know I have been given the gift of choice, that God allows me to make important decisions that build or destroy. I thank Him that He has placed in me some amazing and wonderful abilities to be a part of His creative work in the world.

The way people make choices is a fascinating study.

Some are impulsive. "I want it. It appeals to me. I'll take it!" Such decision-making, if we can call it that, often leads to regret since even the important choices in life are made without consideration.

Some are intuitive. "My gut tells me this is the right choice!" They trust their natural instinctive guidance system more than they trust the counsel of others.

Some are cognitive. "Let's assemble the facts!" This person requires support for decisions, getting reviews, seeking advice, then proceeding with careful thought.

Whatever our style of making decisions, as believers we have God's promise He will lead and guide us. The Word tells us, "How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. 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' " (Isaiah 30:19-21, NIV). 

Friend, if you have received Jesus as your Savior, then make the choice to serve Him as Lord! Declare yourself to be in His service. Make a bold and confident decision to live today for Him and in His ways. Such a choice will allow you to live in the joy of His grace and goodness.

-- Jerry D. Scott is senior pastor at Washington (N.J.) Assembly of God.