Choosing Wisely

Originally posted on 7/3/08

"Your destiny is not something that is left to chance or fate, it is the product of wise choices."

I read this quote earlier this week and it has stuck with me. My destiny is the product of wise choices; not just the choices I make after college that will determine my career but the daily choices that will affect others and my eternity. The choice to talk to the guy in the ice cream shop or leave with no impact, the choice to have a Christ-like attitude or let my situations determine my mood. Everyday we are given opportunities for impact and by making wise choices in my own life I can capitalize on these opportunities.

Too often I don't think about the little decisions like if I should call a friend to see how they are doing or whether I should take an extra fifteen minutes to have a quiet time in the morning. It scares me to think that I can be too comfortable in my schedule and surroundings that I am missing what God is doing. God is working; the issue is whether or not I will choose to be a part of His work. These "little" daily decisions ultimately add up to my destiny. I'm not going to end up in Africa or any other nation doing missions for the rest of my life by chance, it will be the product of fervent prayer and choosing to follow God's leading. I'm not going to make a difference on anyone's life by fate; it will be the product of allowing the Holy Spirit to work through me.

I want to make a difference in this world. I want to impact lives for God's glory. I want to see the nations reached. However, I won't be able to do any of that without choosing daily to pick up my cross and follow Him. It is such a simple principle, to deny our selves but it is so hard to choose to do. I believe that without daily making wise choices, beginning with denying our self and declaring Christ Lord, our destiny will be bleak. I want to stand before the throne and hear, "Well done good and faithful servant" but I know that won't happen by chance. It starts with the little decisions like having a good attitude and investing time into friendships. God has put the options in front of us; it is our responsibility to make wise choices.

If a house were on fire with many people inside would you stand outside and watch it go down in flames? I think the obvious answer for everyone is NO! Then why are we so willing to stand by and watch as millions are condemned to eternity in hell? We should want to set the world on fire until they see Christ’s light burning. We need to start with the “little” daily decisions if we want to end up at our heavenly destiny surrounded by those Christ chose to reach through us.



Update: With pledges accounted for I am close to having 50% of the funds needed for this trip. God is constantly affirming that He wants me in Africa and that He will provide. In a little more than 2 months I will be on my way and I'm excited about everything God has in store. Continue to pray for the people we are going to meet and that everything will fall into place, including the rest of the funds. Thank you for your support through prayer and giving. God is going to change lives as a result of your support!