What are you wrestling with today? Are you debating with yourself about a decision you need to make? Are you analyzing the pro’s and con’s? Have you lost sleep over a major decision in your life? Do you worry about what other people think? Are you fighting against a serious temptation?
As we walk this world and live our lives, we face numerous decisions, temptations, and worries. How we go about navigating them will define us as a person. We see some people who seem to always make the right decisions and their lives appear to be smooth and easy. I’m willing to bet that isn’t really the case.
We are all human and we all struggle with decisions at some point in our lives. For some, it all comes down to sound logic. The logical thinkers will weigh the options, list the pro’s and con’s, and make a logical decision. It may not be the choice they prefer, but they will make the choice with an understanding that it is the best choice based on their analysis.
Others will look at the options and choose solely on emotion. Their choice is based on what they want now, rather than looking at what’s best for them down the road. This may ultimately end as a bad decision, since the choice made today can lead to disruptions later on.
Now, what is wrong with both of these types of decision making? In neither case has the person sought God for His guidance. Seeking God to make our decisions is difficult for us. First, we want to be in control. Second, we don’t want to wait. In our “give it to me now” society, waiting for an answer from God is simply unacceptable.
Unfortunately, all too many of us lack the patience to wait for God. Tragic! I once worked for a Warrant Officer who said, “If we are making any decision short of life and death, we should take time to think it through.” I believe that includes taking time to pray about it and wait for God’s answer.
Praying and waiting is extremely important. Why? Satan is using our earthly logic, our impatience, and our own desires against us. He is purposely using our weaknesses to trip us up and cause us to fail. Our Scripture reference states he is prowling like a roaring lion. Yes, but a roaring lion doesn’t roar when it’s on the prowl. It sneaks around quietly, approaching the unsuspecting victim, and pounces when they aren’t looking. I’m guessing none of us like sneaks and deceivers.
I pray we all become aware of Satan’s sneaky attacks. I pray we all seek God in our decisions. I pray we all acquire the patience to wait on God, while also accounting for our human logic and desires. Seek out God’s wisdom. Be aware of Satan’s tricks. Trust God to provide the answers you need, when you need them. God does not disappoint.
1 Peter 5:8-9 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
Marty Pressey 