Choices are made every day that we may not comprehend the consequences of for years to come. Each decision carries a weight and a purpose, even when we cannot see where it may lead or how it may affect the future. Choices to do certain things or not do certain things not only affect our lives but also the lives of those around us. They can affect those that we love and care about, but more importantly, our relationship with God.

Some of those choices at the time seem right, and later on, when time passes, we realize how wrong those choices actually were and that they were not what God intended for us. Priorities for some come easy, while others, because of past issues, moral failures, addictive traits, or characteristic problems, have a hard time processing how to do things in a way that pleases everyone, especially God. Yet, even in our struggles and shortcomings, God continues to extend His grace, giving us opportunities to recognize our mistakes, turn from them, and choose a path that honors Him.

Our God is more patient and understanding than anyone on earth. God’s choice, His heart, is to spend eternity with us, and because of that, He chooses to wait patiently for all who will come to repentance. I am encouraged by what is written in 2 Peter 3:8 Nevertheless, do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like one day. 9 The Lord does not delay [as though He were unable to act] and is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is [extraordinarily] patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

Growing up, I remember being told to make good choices. As a Pastor, I have learned to instruct those that I mentor and disciple to make “Godly Choices.” Seems a little more fitting for a Christian. Making godly decisions involves a process of prayer, seeking wisdom from Scripture and godly counsel from those you trust who have spiritual maturity and discernment, and, more importantly, trusting in God’s sovereignty, guidance, and timing.

Patience is crucial, as is considering all options before making a choice and then trusting God to guide you through the outcome, no matter how challenging it may be. We must also remember that making a godly choice does not always mean choosing the easiest path, but rather having the faith and obedience to follow where God leads, even when the outcome is uncertain.

I find comfort in what Charles Spurgeon said on the matter, “If you could have chosen your own circumstances and conditions in life, you could not have made so wise a choice as God has made for you.”

I understand that the reason I am so often perplexed is that the life I have now is not the life I expected to have as a child, but it is a blessed life that God has given me to be able to glorify Him through it all, the blessings as well as the trials. Sometimes, we spend so much time wondering why our lives did not turn out the way we imagined that we overlook the opportunities God has placed before us to serve Him right where we are. Each day gives us another opportunity to make choices that reflect our faith, extend grace to others, and demonstrate that our trust is in Him rather than in our own understanding.

My prayer is sincere:

“Dear heavenly Father, please help us, Your children, to walk in purity of mind, body, and spirit. We ask for wisdom and clarity in all that we endure. Help us to submit to Your decisions and trust that You will guide our path according to Your will. Remind us by Your Spirit to praise You for being the decision-making-God You are. Give us the ability to stand in the midst of the battle, and when we fall, help us to get up, dust ourselves off, and get back to work for Your kingdom.

Help us to minister to the lost and the broken in the world around us for Your glory and not our own. May all that You have called come to repentance.

And for myself, thank You for giving me a calling and a purpose to share Your truth with those whom I encounter. I ask that You would provide me with discernment in the choices I need to make on a daily basis. If there’s a specific path You want me to take, please make it clear to me. Help me to have the courage to take the steps You’re leading me toward, no matter how uncomfortable they may be.

I ask that You would provide me with peace of mind as I’m navigating life and the little bit of it I have left. There are things on my mind that are causing me to feel distracted and discouraged, so I ask for Your encouragement as I follow Your direction.

God, please guide me in Your way, accepting my strengths and weaknesses, and help me to be more compassionate toward others, for I know how it is to feel like the least of these. Remind me that I have a purpose as Your child to love You and love others. Please show me specific ways to follow my purpose every day and, when need be, every moment.

In Jesus’ precious and powerful name, Amen.”

Closing encouragement found in Psalms 145:8 The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy. And for that, I am thankful.

May we never lose hope when we recognize that our choices have not always been right, but instead encourage one another to seek God, receive His grace, and walk forward together in the confidence that His love, patience, and mercy are greater than our failures.

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My BeLoved, may the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. In Christ Love, douglas. HE>i. pastord.blog

Special Note: I want to thank those who read what I write and are encouraged to support the ministry God has entrusted to me either one time or have decided to give on a monthly basis. I am encouraged to see certain verses playing out before my eyes like what is written in *Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.*

To any who are interested, please feel free to reach out to me with prayer requests, questions, encouragement, or for information on how to come alongside me with financial support at pastord.blog@gmail.com or I do have a Zelle account associated with my phone number, 5202720387 last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.