(2 Chr 20:12) . . . nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”
Decisions. We make them all the time. Where should we go? What should we do? How should we do it? From large decisions to the little decisions we make, it’s all important because we know that what we decide sets a course of action that we will be taking.
The first tendency we have is to just jump to a conclusion and choose whatever because we are desperate and hate having things up in the air. That can be devastating because we didn’t wait for more clarity and so we chose poorly. Now we have to live with the consequences of our rashness and lack of prayer. The other tendency is to be so afraid of making a decision that we vacillate for an eternity and never to come to a conclusion even when the Lord confirms it and makes it black and white. We want to be so sure, but that produces an uncertainty that can drive a person crazy as well as the people around him or her. Is there a better way to choose?
Jesus had to make an important decision. Out of His followers He was going to choose twelve apostles He would train to be the ones who would carry on His work in His absence. How would He make His decision? (Luke 6:12-13) Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. 13 And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles. Jesus prayed to His Father to help Him make this decision. Now if Jesus prayed for direction, how much more should we be directed by prayer? (James 1:5) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally…and it will be given to him.
When we need to make a decision let’s make time for prayer. (Pro 3:5-7) Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. When we acknowledge the Lord in all things, He is faithful to show us the way every time.
As a result of prayer, Jesus was able to choose His twelve apostles. Notice how it says when it was day He called His disciples to Himself. God will light the way for us and lead us in the decisions we must make. (Isa 42:16) I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, And not forsake them.
Decide now to make your decisions out of devotion. God will unfold His plan for you when you seek His will and follow His guidance. You don’t have to take a stab in the dark when the Lord is the Light!
Louie