5:139 – We make choices for many reasons

#faithbites #faithjourney choices

Intro

Today is my beautiful wife’s last day at work. No, she isn’t retiring. After 21+ years of social work, she’s made a choice to not work at her job. Some would look at the choice and say she did it for rest. Others for the family. While others look at the finances. The truth is it’s all of them and more. I am so proud of her for making this decision. It was not easy

Last year, my pain doctor resigned from his practice and moved to Floria. One reason was to be closer to family, but he had others as well. I miss him but know he made the best choice for him.

Questions

• When you make a choice, do you tell people the reasons behind that decision?
• When others make choices, do you assume a reason or reasons?
• How should we look at other’s choices as they relate to us or don’t relate to us?

Scripture

• Psalms 37:23-24 – The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.
• Proverbs 4:5 – Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them.
• Proverbs 18:15 – The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.

Reflection

All of our actions should be based on what God wants us to do. Sometimes it’s hard to know which of our choices are pleasing and which are not. That’s why we pray and ask for him. In Psalms, it says he will direct us and though we will stumble, we won’t fall. He also tells us that we need to seek wisdom, understand, and acquire knowledge. This isn’t always easy to do. Sometimes we look at the choices someone makes and assume their reasons. We need to take the next step and ask why. Yes, intention doesn’t always meet impact, but it does matter the intent. When we know that, we can help them, and ourselves grow. Likewise, we need to share our thought processes with others so they know the why’s being the decisions.

As we close, remember, that we need to make decisions but they aren’t always for one reason nor is that reason always apparent. Seek understanding and share your wisdom.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, help us as we make the choices of our lives. Help us to understand why we are deciding what we decide and share it with others. We also ask that you help us not just to conclusions on why someone is or isn’t making the choices we think they should.

Lord, we also pray for Mandy as she is starting a new chapter of her life tomorrow. Give her peace and comfort. Help our family and friends to rally around her and make this choice the best one yet. In your name, we pray, Amen.