My thoughts for November: The big decision

PHOTO CREDIT: Quentin Chester

My thoughts for the coming month:
Making difficult decisions

BIG decisions . . . we all have to make them from time to time and most of us don't enjoy them. This month — November is a big month for some of my readers, voting in the US election. For some it is clear cut, for others they simply won't vote and then there are those who are still struggling to decide who to vote for. I agree, this one is really hard and I am thankful I don't have to vote or even think about who to vote for.

As I wrote back in September, you have no reason to be afraid. It might sounds strange to non-believes, but all you have to do is "Trust in the Lord in all things" and all will be ok. This is a lesson of faith. Remember, God’s plans and purposes are fixed, and His will is inviolable. What He has purposed, He will bring to pass, and no government can thwart His will. We must grasp the fact that our government cannot save us, even those who confess to being Christian. Only God can. Politicians are NOT the saviour of the world even if they try and convince us they are.

Every day we have to make decisions, most are simple—what to have for breakfast, whether to clean the house, should I buy milk today or tomorrow or what time will I leave for work. We don't put a lot of thought into these decisions, but every now and again the need to make a big decision arrives and ice struggle. We have sleepless nights, we get wound up, we stress—not that any of these things ever help the decision process at all.

Only ONE thing is required "TRUST IN THE LORD" and He will direct our path. 

When you find yourself lying in bed in the middle of the night, unable to sleep — PRAY and keep on praying (that shouldn't stop during this process). God is waiting for us to ask for guidances, wisdom, comfort during these difficult times. Then with a clear mind, start doing the following:

1. Define the problem, what is the issues, what decision do I have to make?

2. Start to dig out the relevant information, ask questions, seek counsel of those who have information. Different people will likely have different information and different perspectives that can give you a broader understanding of the situation.

3. Consider the alternatives—brains storm, think outside the box.

4. Deliberate —weight up the options, make a list of pros and cons

5. Decide—With all the research and preparation, this part should be easier. Another prayer for guidance and additional consultation with advisers can give us the confidence to make a wise choice.

God gives this encouragement to those who seek His will and follow His way: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6). In any decision we make, God is ALWAYS with us and watching over us. 

***Just one more thing. It is your decision who you vote for and may not be the same as someone else. Be respectful of how others vote and don't treat them badly because they votes the differently to you. Each of you are making your decision based on a range of issues that affect your life, they may not be the same issues — do not turn your differences into an argument about who is right. Do check out the poem below as it puts all of this into perspective —the coming of the Lord makes all this trivia.



Bible verse of the month

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding; 
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.


Proverbs 3:5-6


Poem of the month

Sometimes some ordinary day will come, 
A busy day like this - fill to the brim
With ordinary tasks - perhaps so full
That we have little thought or care for Him.

And there will be no hint from silent skies, 
No sign, no clash of cymbals, roll of drums;
And yet that ordinary day will be
The very day in which our Lord will come.


Author unknown





Comments

  1. Wow - thank you so much. You just do not know how much I needed this today. Yes, the Lord is our Shepherd. God bless you!

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