When You Come to a Fork in the Road
We all make hundreds upon hundreds of decisions every day. From those “small” decisions such as what to eat for breakfast or watch on television to “big” decisions that have longer lasting impact, sometimes changing the course of our lives. [I can argue that what you eat for breakfast and watch on television do have lasting effects, but that is a whole different discussion.]
Often decisions can seem overwhelming, even the ones that should be easy and simple. Have you walked down the bread aisle in the grocery store lately? Gone are the days of choosing between just a few brands. In many grocery stores, an entire aisle is now dedicated to just breads. Where we shop, just from one bakery alone, there is health nut, multi-grain, buttermilk, potato, oatmeal, oat nut, and oat bran, sourdough, whole wheat, white, pumpernickel, seeded or seedless rye, along with several organic and non-GMO choices. Do you want sandwich thins instead of loaf bread? If so, you have another three or four choices. Still don’t like what you see? There are probably another six brands on the shelves. You want gluten-free; those are in often in another aisle. You get the picture – just how many bread choices does there need to be and is more really better?
You have also probably recently laid awake at night fretting over a big decision, that proverbial fork in the road, that point where a choice has to be made. Should I accept that job offer? Can we afford that new house? Which course of treatment should I choose to take care of my hip pain? There’s not enough money to pay all the bills this month, so which ones do I pay first? How do I begin a conversation with my spouse about that nagging and persistent issue in our marriage? Or maybe you are trying to decide whether the person you are currently dating is the one with whom you want to spend the rest of your life with.
When you face a fork in the road and are trying to decide which one to choose, the Bible gives some guidance. First, the Scripture tells us that God’s Word brings illumination to life and life’s decisions. We read this is Psalm 119:103-105 – “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
And we also know Scripture tells us that God promises us wisdom if we ask for it. In James 1:5 we read this – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” But we are not simply to ask, we are to ask with faith, believing that God hears our request and trusting in His response. Continuing on in v.6, we find this – “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like the wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”
Many of our choices determine not only our present but also our future. We can only see life through our limited perspective, but God sees the whole picture. When you are standing at a crossroads, before you take any of the roads available, first seek God’s wisdom and direction. He promises you His wisdom – “For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6)