Encouragement: Choices

Everyday we make choices.

Whether we know it or not, each choice has a consequence that ultimately influences the course of our life in one way or another. They can be big or small, monumental or inconsequential. But they still have the same impact.

I was once again reminded of that simple fact twice during my devotionals this week. The first time was on Monday when Joni discussed the importance of strengthening our faith. While most Christians primarily view the act of strengthening their faith from one perspective-the perspective of reading the Bible. While this may be true, Christians sometimes forget the important part that trust plays into building an intimate relationship. Monday and Tuesday's devotionals reminded me of that. Too often we are afraid to act on the faith that we have because we are afraid of making the wrong choices . True, we do sometimes make wrong choices and have to pay the consequences for our actions.

We 're only human; it's inevitable that we will make mistakes! But that's the beauty of God., if we are truly serious about remaining faithful, everything will work out eventually. It might just not work out the way we expect or in our timing. But he does promise things will work out. Sometimes even better than we planned. As Philippians 2: 12-13 reiterates, "Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. This verse is written according to The Message version of the of the Bible


Tuesday's devotional was about following Jesus. Following Jesus is a choice, like everything else. According to the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, Luke 9: 23 states: "And he said to all, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake, he will have it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.”

Another point to ponder, God himself made a choice...

To sacrifice his life in order to save us!!