Decisions
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:6
I served in the Army National Guard for 10 years including one year in country during Operation Iraqi Freedom. I have so many memories, some of which are very dear to me and I will never forget. I experienced amazing relationships over the course of those 10 years. I learned many valuable lessons, many of which have helped mold me in the the person I am today. If there were a time of my life that I could do over, those 10 years in the military would definitely be on the ballet.
In 2010 my ETS was up and I had to make a decision whether or not I was going to re-enlist. I will be honest, it was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. I wanted to re-enlist but I didn't want to put a halt on my education which was going very well. I remember having a conversation with my 1st Sgt about my next steps. It was such an overwhelming moment. I didn't want to leave the military, but I felt there was so much more ahead of me. Out of the whole conversation, The only thing I can remember him saying, "because you love God and you desire to do his will, He will bless what ever decision you make." So in April of 2010, I chose to close that chapter of my life.
I have now been out of the military for 8 years. I will be honest, things didn't really pan out the way I expected it to. Along the way life found a way of getting the best of me at times. The dreams and aspiration that once flooded my heart soon became fleeting thoughts. On the other side of that, I have grown into a woman that I never thought I could have become. God, in all of his amazing splendor strategically used every moment, good and bad, to mold me for a greater purpose.
Sometimes we get lost in the routine of making decisions in different areas of our lives. Sometimes we make the right decisions. Sometimes we don't. There are times when our next steps come easy. Then there are those overwhelming times when we just don't have a clue. Philippians 4:6 tells us not to be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present our requests to God. As believers we are given the permission to be confident in approaching the throne of God with all of our decisions, big or small. Our faith in God and His ability to guide us initiates a peace that will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus concerning all things (Philippians 4:7). Our thanksgiving releases the manifestation of God's glory concerning those things.
So the next time you are face with a decision, big or small, I challenge you to present it to God in prayer and with thanksgiving. Trust in Him with all of your heart and do not lean to your own understanding. In all of your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path (Proverbs 3:5-6). You may get the answer in the moment. You may not, but if you cast your burden upon the Lord, he will sustain you (Psalm 55:22).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I look to you because I know that all of my help comes from you. When the weight of making decisions, both big or small weigh me down, help me to not lean to my own understanding. Lead me and guide me according to your will. In Jesus' name. Amen
