Decisions, Decisions!
By Beth Mabe Gianopulos
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
“Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.” Proverbs 28:26 NLT
Decisions are hard. Life changing decisions that impact my future are stressful. But no decision is as heart wrenching as a decision that may have life changing implications for my child.
As a parent, I am responsible for the health, well-being, and guidance of my child. There are some decisions that we make for our children that seem incredibly stressful at the time but in hindsight are not.
Do I bottle feed or breastfeed? When should I introduce solid foods? Should I work or stay home?
As our children grow, we are faced with more and more decisions. Some of us face life circumstances that we would not wish on our worst enemy. Often, when we are in the midst of these challenging life events, there is very little guidance as to how to move forward.
I am faced with a decision at this time that could have a huge impact on my child’s future. Although I have researched the matter and sought out wise counsel, there is little to no guidance as to how I should move forward.
I feel lost and completely ill equipped to make the decision, and I do not know how to best proceed.
The decision that I make matters because we make decisions, and our decisions make us. Who I am today is a result of decisions I made yesterday. Who my child is today is a result of decisions I made yesterday, last month, and last year.
All of the intellectual knowledge and advice that I receive in this world is not enough to guide me as I make this life altering decision for my child. And I feel the crushing weight of making the right decision because I love my child and desperately want what is best for them.
King Solomon also understood the heavy burden of difficult decisions. King Solomon was faced with leading God’s people.
Just as I love my child and want to make the best decision for them, King Solomon was faced with decisions that would alter the future of God’s beloved children.
God appeared to Solomon and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” 2 Chronicles 1:7 NIV. At that moment, Solomon could have asked for anything. He could have asked for more knowledge or for riches. He could have asked for the secrets of the universe.
He could have even asked for the death of his enemies or a long and happy life. But Solomon did not ask for any of these things. Solomon answered God, “Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?” 2 Chronicles 1:10 NIV.
Solomon realized that wisdom was more valuable than wealth, strength, or even happiness.
At this critical juncture in my child’s life, I want to plead with God to ensure that my child is healthy and happy. However, I know that what I really need more than anything is wisdom.
Like Solomon, all that I have to do is ask God to give me wisdom.
James 1:5 (NIV) says, “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.” God was faithful to Solomon and answered his prayer. Many view Solomon as the wisest man that ever lived. The book of James assures us that God is also faithful to us. If we ask God for wisdom, God will give generously.
Jesus, Thank You for giving us what we need most. Often, we think we need knowledge, wealth or happiness, when what we really need most is wisdom. Thank You for loving us so much that You give wisdom generously and without finding fault. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
© 2017 by Beth Mabe Gianopulos. All rights reserved.
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Originally published Tuesday, 16 May 2017.
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