Guide me, Lord, in every decision I take today
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
Ephesians 5:15-17 NLT
Opportunity is the possibility of doing something. We need to know what it is, but unless we take that opportunity, nothing will happen. Often, we prefer to give away decision-making to others, especially when the decisions appear difficult.
I’ve made two decisions, at different times, to start a business with a friend. Both times I decided to spend and proceed. On both occasions, the business didn’t give me any return on my investment. Do I regret the decisions I took? No! I knew the risks, and I learned priceless lessons from the failures. Fresh opportunities emerged; equally fraught with the possibility for future failure, yet also with potential success.
In a society infatuated with risk management, we can become reluctant decision-takers, fearing the potential dangers. This is perhaps most critical when it comes to our health. We would love to place responsibility upon the trained medics to both diagnose and treat us. Yet, often we can pursue a number of pathways, each with their own benefits and dangers. We have to decide and, in doing so, we also surrender whatever possibilities other treatments offer.
In our walk with God, while we have surrendered our life to Jesus, we still have to take decisions. Despite being safely embraced by God’s loving arms, we still have that responsibility. Discipleship is a partnership. God has highlighted how to live; now we have the responsibility and capacity to make the choices that will shape our lives.
In pursuing my call to the contemplative life, I’ve made some poor decisions, from fear rather than faith. Slowly, I’ve found the confidence to collaborate with God in making my decisions.
QUESTION
Are you keeping your eyes open to fresh possibilities?
PRAYER
Guide me, Lord, in every decision I take today.