“I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.” (Philippians 1:23-26 NIV)
Long before America became captivated by crime scene investigation and reality shows, we had gathered facts and made decisions on them. Somehow, intuitively, we knew that one never knows where the facts may be found. So we must be attentive.
In making decisions, our choices may not always be “cut-and-dried.” One opportunity may be just as good as another. When no reason rises above any other and we are torn between the two, a decision may not be so easy. When we have looked at all the advantages opposed to the disadvantages and they come up equal, what do we do? How do we act? What choice do we make?
In WWII, a group of Belgian freedom fighters related how they made a decision to help Jews escape the Nazi death camps. They said, “We chose to stay with those who needed us most.” In the dilemma of choices, here is the fact we seek . . . need. Like the Belgian underground and the Apostle Paul, we let the need be the deciding factor.
Attention to God’s Spirit may be the most important element of any opportunity. You never know where you might find an essential word from the Lord. Burning bushes (Exodus 3:2) or pleas from strangers (Acts 16:9) may be the answer we are looking for.
Dear Father, thank you for helping us to make good choices and decisions. When we are torn and do not know which is better to do, enable us to see the need of those around us. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous today in your choices,