Choose Wisely

Not by chance, but by choice!

Do you sometimes feel you have made bad choices? I know at times I have in the past. I can't undo what is done. But God can!

No matter who we are, we all get to make choices in our lives that has ramifications: some good, some not so good. If we are really honest with ourselves, we would love to turn the clock back and undo some of those choices somewhere in our life. "Are you with me?"

As women, we understand we have the right to choose to be who we are, even when we make mistakes that is not compatible with what God wants for us or wants us to be. Our heavenly Father has given us the right to choose for ourselves, even if it is contrary to what God wants for us, or, frowned upon by our friends or family. Our decisions that we make good or bad has consequences for our future.

God has given us the Bible as a manual for everything we need in order to gain wisdom and discernment. What God has written in the Bible are examples for our learning and understanding in how to make those choices.

From the very beginning of creation God made Adam and Eve, who lived in the Garden of Eden, were given a mandate from God not to eat from the 'Tree of Life' or from the 'Tree of knowledge of good and evil'. Through the serpent's deception changed everything for Eve and then Adam. Eve took the apple from the 'tree of knowledge of good and evil'. At first the apple looks enticing and tasted really good. At that moment deceit had entered into them both when they made the choice to disobey God's mandate. We need to rely on God's strength and wisdom, to protect us from the allure of choices that could be detrimental with our relationship with God and others. When we ignore God' instructions and make our own decisions based upon our own perceptions, could lead to a very sad ending, just like Adam and Eve. The end result, they fell from grace. Their actions through the choices they made, are still to be felt by us today. But there is hope for all.

If we are to live a faith filled life, then we must accept the gift of life that God has given us. We are here not primarily to benefit ourselves but to benefit and be a blessing to others through those decisions, nominations, options, selections and discernments that we make. Life is full of choices and sometimes those choices in which we make are not always clear to see or feel. Or, at times, those choices can be so obvious that we miss it! When we make brilliant or wonderful choices on behalf of others, are the greatest of blessings and rewards. But if we bring choices of discontent, we reap a recompense of unhappiness. A biblical principle... Gal 6:7-8 A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirt, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Avoid allowing the flesh to get in the way. The law of harvest has been applied within our life choices through what we sow or reap. Still with me?

The good news! Jesus forgives all, who are truly and deeply repentant for the bad mistakes we make. Let's take a moment and look at the story of the prodigal son found in Luke 15:11-32. The youngest of the two brothers, who wanted the full measure of his inheritance before it was entitled to him. He demanded from his father to receive his full share of his inheritance. He squandered his wealth in reckless living.

What can we learn from this young man?

Firstly, he leaves the security and protection of his father's home.

Secondly, he was disrespectful and spent everything.

Thirdly, how do we see ourselves within the characters in this story?

A severe famine then came upon that country. This young man was now in need. Retrospectively, with living with his father he had want for nothing. Now because of his bad choices he had been reduced to eating with the pods that the pigs ate, as no one gave him anything to eat. For this young man it wasn't long before he came to his senses, he had made poor choices, and squandered his inheritance on wild living. He was hungry and lonely; the only job that was given to him was to work amongst the pigs. The story goes on, he then came to his senses and humbly returns back to his homeland, to his father house and asks for forgiveness. And of course, we know that the father openly forgave him.

Even though this parable, is a short made-up story, this holds for each one of us a deep meaningful lesson.

How can we posture our hearts to receive the full measure of hope?

Firstly, God does not get in the way of our desires. He gives us free will to want and pursue the things that comes to our minds and hearts. We ultimately have to decide what we will do with the freedom He gives us.

Secondly, the desire to want things before we are ready. We cannot always see into our future, like the young son in the prodigal story. He could not foresee that famine would be a disaster. He had abandoned everything he knew and been taught at his father's house for a much lesser life. God is not reckless in allowing us to have things that we are not ready for. The desire of His heart, that we can make those decisions wisely. Ask God! Am I ready to receive my inheritance?

Thirdly, our journey of faith, can be a lonely path, just like the young son, as he went on his own accord, not with his older brother. How many of us can relate to that picture. We pursue, chase, and trail on what we think is best for us, to find out ' 'it's not all what it's cracked up to be'. Do we just remain in the depths of loneliness or disappointments? No! Just like the story, the young son, who humbly returns home to receive forgiveness, acceptance, love and sonship from his father.

Fourthly, God is waiting and watching for us to return home. Do we sometimes feel that God is so far away? The good news, God has not moved, we have! His word tells us in Deuteronomy 31:8, 'I will never leave you, nor forsake you'. The Lord goes before us and will be with us, no matter what. He also tells us in Romans 8-31-39, that nothing can ever separate us from His Love. Absolutely nothing! God walks with us through every trial, season, circumstances, and hardships that we go through. Our heavenly Father never gives up on us.

Lastly, if we are truly and humbly sorry and repentant, God restores to us our inheritance. God does not keep records or scores of all that we have done wrong, but rather throws a party for us, and puts on the finest tiara, garment of salvation of His righteousness and perfection that covers our sins. From a place of shame to a posture of grace. God returns to us the honour, position and status of our inheritance and daughtership.

Let's Choose this day whom we will service!

To choose 'whom you will serve' is a very important biblical exhortation taken from the Old Testament in the book of Joshua 24:15. To choose is not just a one-off decision that we make, but rather a continuous commitment, that shapes our purpose and destiny. Where does the root of our choices come from? And, how and where does our choice impact and affect our future? Remember! the choices we make today, will affect our tomorrows.

Are we ultimately satisfying God when we make those choices?

Are we making those heart felt moment choices, when our hearts are open to anticipate, discern and to hear from God?

Do we consider His thoughts over our thoughts? or do we rush ahead?

Is God our first port of call?

Take away...

Let's ask Jesus for His directions to show us the best decisions that we can make.

Making every decision carefully, by prayer, supplication and reading His word.

Think through and talk to God before making a decision.

Let's posture our hearts in doing what is right, and then do it.

Our choices and actions are important and makes a difference to our day and future.

May we choose not out of fear but out of faith and hope.

Let's pray...

Heavenly Father, help me to not make rash decisions, but to come to you

and ask for wisdom and discernment in all of my decisions or choices that I make today.

Father, will you help me to walk in your ways over my life, family and career,

and to align my thoughts with your holy word.

Lead me in your truth and show me your ways.

Show me and teach me the path that you have set before me to follow.

Holy Spirit, will you clearly guide me with all the important decisions and opportunities that come my way, relying on you for knowledge and understanding.

You have not given me a spirit of fear but of power, love and of a sound mind.

Father, let your will be complete, over my will.

Let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven, through me today.

Amen!

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