Another Chance to Make a Choice

We prayed. We waited. We asked God for direction. We even made a list of pros and cons.

We watched for confirmation to come through our circumstances. Then we prayed some more. Weeks and weeks passed, and still we couldn’t determine which way to go.

My husband and I did everything you’re supposed to do when facing a life-changing decision. Yet in spite of our efforts, we didn’t have a clue.

So we made our choice, and it didn’t turn out how we hoped.

Does this sound familiar? Or am I the only one who struggles with making decisions? When I look ahead and see that dreaded fork in the road, the agonizing begins. I get a sick feeling, knowing what I’m about to put myself through.

Because even though I know the key is trusting God, I also feel a sense of finality when I utter the word yes or no.

And quite honestly, I fear what will happen if I choose wrong.

Will I miss my God-given opportunity? Will I venture down the wrong path? Will I be able to find my way back to His will for my life? These thoughts swirl around in my head like a whirlwind of distraction and confusion. If only I could be a confident decision-maker. If only I could trust the God of heaven above and earth below fully and completely, like Rahab did.

“…for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.” Joshua 2:11 NIV

When Joshua sent two men into Jericho to spy out the land, Rahab took the men into her home and hid them. Word traveled to the king, who sent a message to Rahab. “Bring out the men who came to you and entered your house, because they have come to spy out the whole land.” Joshua 2:3

At this crucial moment – this fork in the road – Rahab didn’t flinch. She didn’t wait. She didn’t watch for her circumstances to line up just right and give her the confirmation she needed to choose correctly.

She made a choice, regardless of the outcome.

No doubt Rahab’s decision was life-changing, just like many of our decisions today. She lied to the king when she said, “At dusk, when it was time to close the city gate, they left.” (Joshua 2:5) This could’ve had grave consequences, but something inside told her to help the Israelites. She knew who they served, and she was willing to make this radical choice with unwavering confidence.

Looking at Rahab’s story, we could easily label her as a hero of the faith. Her actions show a boldness I long for. But something remarkable happens when we glimpse into Rahab’s past. We don’t just see a woman who tackled tough decisions without fear. We also see a woman who didn’t always make the best choices.

You see, Scripture describes Rahab as a harlot. (Joshua 2:1 NKJV) This simple statement reveals much about her history. Rahab had a past, like many of us. But her story doesn’t focus on past mistakes. It emphasizes her good choices today.

Why does God care more about our todays than our yesterdays? God loves to give more chances than we deserve. And when we make a mistake, we can know this with all assurance.

The Lord of All will always give us another chance to make a new choice. @kristinebrown43

Powered By the Tweet This Plugin

Tweet This

So whatever situation we may be facing, we don’t need to agonize over which path to take.

Yes, sometimes we need to wait for direction.

Yes, we always need to pray.

But as situations come, let’s let go of what might happen if we make the wrong decision and hold onto this truth instead. Acknowledging the Lord of All and staying close to Him will fill us with the strength we need to face those difficult decisions. And when we make a mistake – because we all make mistakes – God will offer the gentle guidance we need.

I’ll be praying for you.

Kristine

Guest Contributor:

Kristine Brown is a communicator at heart who teaches about God’s powerful, relatable Word. She is the author of Over It. Conquering Comparison to Live Out God’s Plan and founder of the non-profit organization, More Than Yourself, Inc. Kristine writes about her God-story and helps others discover their own at www.morethanyourself.com.