Making Decisions
By Johnny Angel
Today is my second day of the new semester at school. During the
past few months, I have been hit constantly with choices. I have had
to say no to some neat ministry projects because I knew my fall class
and ministry schedule would not give me time to participate. It has not
been easy for me to say no. I have had to do some real searching to
find out what God wants to do with my life right now. When I had to
choose a college, I asked God where I should go. He directe me to
ETSU, and many things have fallen in to place. When I started college
last fall, I joined my friend's church without really asking God which
church He wanted me to go to. Those plans fell apart. When I
submitted to God's will, I allowed Him to lead me to another church.
Though it has been a rough year at that church with our pastor leaving,
God has opened up so many doors because I am where He wants me.
When I needed to know which campus ministry group I should
participate in, God told me to go to the Baptist Student Union, and He
has opened up many doors through that ministry. When I felt the call
into the ministry, I dug into the Bible frantically trying to find out if that
was where God wanted me. I also looked through my prayer journal
and saw how God had been using the events in my life to prepare me
for ministry (even if it is non-traditional ministry like this email stuff).
Today I realized that my class load is too much. I cannot take 16 hours
as I had planned because the classes that I'm taking will demand too
much work. I prayed asking God to help me know the right thing to do.
I felt peace about dropping a class that I can take later on.
We all have to make choices in life. When we leave God out of them,
they will run into big problems. But when we let God guide us, we will
have true happiness and peace in our lives. I offer the following Bible
verses that God has used to speak to me recently. Read them
carefully. Ask God to tell you what He wants to say to you. Commit
your ways to Him. Let Him guide your paths. But most importantly,
"Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the
Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him (Colossians
3:17, NIV)."
The Lord is more pleased when we do what is just and right than when
we give him sacrifices. (Proverbs 21:3, NLT)
Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts
lead to poverty. Wealth created by lying is a vanishing mist and a
deadly trap. (Proverbs 21:5-6, NLT)
Whoever pursues godliness and unfailing love will find life, godliness,
and honor. The wise conquer the city of the strong and level the
fortress in which they trust. (Proverbs 21:21-22, NLT)
Human plans, no matter how wise or well advised, cannot stand
against the Lord. The horses are preared for battle, but the victory
belongs to the Lord. (Proverbs 21:30-31, NLT)
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord
require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly
with your God. (Micah 6:8, NIV)
With all your hear you must trust the Lord and not your own judgement.
Always let him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow.
(Proverbs 3:5-6, CEV)
N Prayer,
Johnny <*}}}><