Thursday, January 19, 2012

Decisions

Decisions, decisions, decisions.  Sometimes, I find it really hard to make a decision.  Like right now.  Since we are about half way through our time of commitment in Tanzania, we are at the point where we need to decide if we will extend our commitment—or move back to the states.  We have been praying for wisdom, for guidance, for unity in our decision and most of all, that we will be in the center of God’s will.  Does that mean we will stay here?  Or, will that move us somewhere all together different?  We wish we knew for sure!

Often, I would prefer that the answer would come like this:


This is what we came across the other day on the way to church. (I wish the picture was a little clearer, but essentially the truck was heading up our hill, lost its clutch and brakes, slid back down the hill, and completely blocked the road!) There was no wondering or debating—we could not go this way!  The decision was easy.

But what I find more often, is this:


I think I have a plan.  I think I have it figured out and that we are traveling along just fine.  Then, we begin to feel that God is leading us on a different path.  The path isn’t always clear.  We often don’t know what the road we travel is going to look like or exactly where it is headed.  Those times, like now, are tougher.

Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
Proverbs 16:2-4

Am I really supposed to change directions now?  Is it that I want a diversion or that God wants to grow us and take us somewhere different?  Although not as clear as the truck blocking the road, often I find that a change of course is clear, just not the direction. 

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:10-12

So, I continue to pray and to seek and to know that God is good.  Will you pray with us?