This is a recurring theme in my life as long as I can remember. Even though the seasons of my life have changed consistently, the one thing that continues in steadfast determination is this drive. Every time I find myself at a crossroads, or faced with a big decision I come back to the foundation of what I believe to be true. Jeremiah 29:11. He does have a plan for me. I know, that I know, that I know this is true. I've even seen glimpses along the way of how He has paved the road before.
My good friend, Brian Rose preached yesterday on two verses in Ephesians. These two verses had so much meat in them that I felt that it was worthwhile for me to just spend some time in Jesus' presence and process them.
Ephesians 5:15-17
New International Version (NIV)
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
The following quote is from Brian and displays a filter-effect in decision making. Not every decision is layed out for us in black and white. But, yet we are called to live as wise. How do we know what we should do in those situations? I loved this!
"In light of my past experiences,
my current circumstances,
and my future hopes and dreams,
what is the wise thing to do?"
Of course in the nature of his sermon, he presented various examples of how this could be applied. I am thinking more personally in my own life and the decisions I am facing. There were so many pieces of wisdom to take from this message, but the other one that made a profound impact is the idea that our lives are defined by a dash. We are born - we die. On our headstone, our life is summed up in numbers and a little bitty line. I want my dash to be an exclamation point!
