CHOICES
Looking back on my life, one thing stands out above the rest. My life has been defined primarily by the choices I made. This is not to say that I chose everything that came into my life. I didn’t. In fact there are some things that came into my life I wish had not. But I did make the choices of how I would walk through the unexpected, difficult things in my life. I did make the choices of how to move forward, whether to adapt, improvise and overcome, or be destroyed. Whether to entrust myself to my Faithful Creator and continue to do good, or give up, and walk away.
All of us make hundreds of choices every single day of our lives. What to eat, what to wear, when to get up, when to go to bed, what to say, what not to say, what to watch, what not to watch, what to text, what to write or not write, what car to drive, whether to exercise, what exercise you choose, whether to read my Bible, whether to pray, to trust God or not trust God. What we believe, what we don’t believe. What to spend our money on, how we use our money. Whether to be stingy or generous. Squander or save. Whether to be wise or foolish. Whether to grow in wisdom or stay stupid. Whether to live for eternity or for this world. Whether to be a nominal Christian, or a passionate disciple of Jesus Christ. Whether to be thankful, or grumble and complain about everything. Whether to despair or choose to hope. Whether to be kind or unkind, selfish or selfless, to build or tear down. Whether to plan wisely or fly by the seat of our pants. Whether to trust God through our trials, or let our trials destroy us. Whether to use our life for God or waste our life on ourselves. Whether to live by faith or by our feelings. The list goes on and on, but here is the inescapable truth. Our choices have consequences! They have consequences in our earthly life, but many of our choices will follow us into eternity! They will either garner for you eternal glory and unending praise from God, bringing you rich eternal rewards, or leave you with nothing to show for the life you lived during your time on earth.
I have known people whose mouths were so destructive and cruel. They chose to degrade and tear others down who were closest to them, rather than control their speech. As a direct consequence of their destructive words, they destroyed their relationships with those closest to them.
I have known people who chose to give, even though they had little to give, and God in his great faithfulness, blessed them, and provided for them in supernatural ways.
I have known others who were terribly mistreated, walked through one injustice after another, but refused to lose their faith in God. They suffered ridicule and shame, but remained faithful to God. They may not look like much to others in this life, but they will be millionaires in heaven, highly honored, eternally famous.
I have known people who’ve suffered terrible trials and afflictions in their lives. They chose to trust God for his amazing grace in their painful weaknesses and infirmities. Though their suffering did not end, they were a real joy to be around. They experienced the supernatural power of God to endure, while others with far fewer difficulties, barely survived life.
I have known some people who were torn up by their anxieties and worries, while others having even more things to be overwhelmed by and worry about, took all their worries, fears and problems to God in earnest, daily prayer. They cast, and cast, and cast those burdens on the Lord. They thanked God over and over again for his care, and blessings. They were sustained, strengthened, and experienced God in profound ways in their life as a result of their choice.
Sometimes we have choices thrust upon us that we never wanted or would’ve asked for. Choices forced on us by the actions, destructive behaviors and sins of other people. We live in a sin-filled world, where grave injustices happen to even the very best of believers. Godly Christians are not immune to these kinds of things happening to them. We are forced to make very difficult choices that others will not understand or approve of. I’ve had to walk through some of those myself over the course of my Christian life. I knew others would harshly misjudge me and accuse me for the choice I had to make. I knew slanderous, hurtful things would be said about me. I knew others would reject me, and many did. But I knew this. God himself knew the reality and facts of my situation. I knew the reality and facts of my situation. God knew my heart in the situation, and I could make the choice He led me to, with the confidence He gave me. God is my Master, not other people. This gave me the courage to make those very difficult choices.
I want to encourage each of you to take some time to honestly reflect on your life and the choices you’ve been making. Are they the choices you really want? Perhaps it is time for you to make some new and different choices in your life. Don’t despair. Don’t procrastinate. God will help you! Do something about these matters starting today.
Deuteronomy 30:19 NLT
Today, I have given you a choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, that you and your descendants might live! Choose to love the Lord your God and to obey him and commit yourself to him, for he is your life!
Helping you become a Strong Disciple,
Because of Jesus,
Pastor Mark Darling
