I recently tweeted:
The inevitable cycle (good or bad): We make choices. Our choices make us.
When you wake in the morning, you make a choice: get up or stay in bed a little longer? When you make that choice, then another choice must be made… then the next… and so on. All day, every day– our lives are a combination of many choices.
This is the free will God has given us.
But no one likes to hear that our troubles or sufferings might be the result of our own choosing, because who would choose that? (No one.) Yet, when we reflect on the choices that landed us where we are at this moment (good or bad), is it possibly a reflection of our daily choices?
I think so. And I’m okay with that kind of accountability.
The BEST choice any of us could make is to receive Jesus as our Savior. This choice then opens our heart to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit who becomes our Helper, Comforter, and wise Counselor to help us choose correctly. God obviously knew we would have a hard time in this area, so He sent us help.
But now, if I make an unwise choice, the Holy Spirit can testify that He tried to help me choose better. “Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are…” (Romans 2:1). If we’re honest, we’re often guilty of wanting to judge our situation (or sufferings) by putting the blame on something other than the fact that we may have made a wrong choice. Why is that?
I personally don’t like being wrong, but I’ve found that when I choose to own my mistake, and choose to repent, and choose to make the necessary adjustment, God is faithful to redeem me.
But did you notice how many choices are left up to me first?
“TODAY I call upon heaven and earth as witnesses against you, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse; therefore, you shall choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, by loving the LORD your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding closely to Him; for He is your life [your good life, your abundant life, your fulfillment] and the length of your days…” (Deuteronomy 30:19).
Destiny is no matter of chance. It is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved. --William Jennings Bryan
Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it's always your choice. --Wayne Dyer
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference. --Robert Frost
The key to your success will always be found in what you choose —the choice will always be yours, including the choice to be better or bitter when circumstances are out of your control. So I pray this simple reminder encourages you to pay attention to your choices, and accept the help God has given you.
