Make a Decision

I called my mom today to tell her that it was going to cost me more than $800 to board SoJoy and Andy when I take my mission trip to Ghana next month. I wasn't expecting her to offer to pay the cost, but I was expecting a little sympathy. Her response was, "Well, you can go on the mission or stay at home!" My mother isn't big on pontificating. Neither is she a theologian, seeking to discern the mysterious workings of the Divine in the daily routines of life! She's a "straight shooter." Simple and to the point! Sometimes, like today, it makes me laugh. After all, when you get right down to it, it's pretty simple -- pay the $800 and go on my mission trip, or don't pay the $800 and stay home with the dogs! I made my decision and we moved on to the next pressing topic: How to make Slurpees (those sugary frozen drinks they sell at 7Eleven) at home, for a fraction of the cost! I love Slurpees!

In the Book of James, the author writes, " ... a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. They can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do." (James 1:6-8 NLT). Put another way, Goethe said, "Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back-- Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now."

It is amazing how many Christians fail to experience the joy and soul satisfaction of a truly blessed life simply because they've never decided to pursue their dreams or heart's desires. I don't know if it's complacency with mediocrity, the saftey of the familiar, or fear of failure, countless followers of Christ live lackluster and unfilled lives -- wanting more, but never daring to take the first step. If Jesus came (and He did) that we might have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows) (John 10:10 AMP) then why aren't more people making the decision to trust God and follow Christ to victory!

Blessings and Peace!