Daily Power #11

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. (Prov. 12:15 ESV)

As a pastor, I have sat with so many people filled with regret, my heart aching for them as they asked tearfully, “Why did I do that? What was I thinking? I would give anything to be able to go back and make a different choice!”

One of the best decisions we can make when faced with an impulsive choice or high-stakes dilemma is simply to stop. Take a time-out. Hit Pause. Sleep on it. Think it over. Get some godly wisdom from others you trust.

During this interval, try to visualize what’s likely to happen with each of your options. When faced with a decision, I try to picture the likely consequences of my various choices. I take stock of where I am, consider the distance between my present location and where I want to go, and then choose to move in the direction of my desired destination. Even if it seems like I’m taking baby steps, as long as I’m heading in the right direction, I know I’m getting closer to God’s best for me.

Most of us have good intentions, or at least some kind of self-justification, for the things we do. And yet so many of us seem surprised when we find ourselves a long way from our desired destination. The big changes in our lives—both negative and positive—rarely happen without a series of decisions accumulating until their momentum creates significant impact.

Today make sure your steps are taking you in the right direction.

Power Lift

Jesus, today I will follow you instead of allowing my steps to stray. I trust you—not my feelings, circumstances, or other people—with the direction of my life.