-Guidance-

Every day we probably make a thousand decisions. Well, maybe a 1001 decisions! Thankfully, most of those decisions do not endanger life & limb (unless you are in line-man school working with hot wires!). Yet, many of us have to make life-changing decisions for ourselves or those around us.

There were several curious, if not dubious, news stories about how decisions were made recently. One tiny Minnesota town had an odd way to decide how to break a tie vote for mayor. You may have guessed, flip a coin! One judge, who was later fired, decided a verdict with, you guessed it again, a coin toss! Hopefully you use a better method for deciding the weighty decision of your life.

I am called upon every week to make decisions that will affect the lives and, sometimes, eternity of people. It's a very sobering thing to be asked a question or advice & then see pleading, expectant eyes awaiting response. Parents, no doubt, have ALL seen that plaintive look. Where do we find the wisdom to answer the questions put before us?

What about the mother who, for whatever reason, has to decide between food or medicine for her baby? What about the doctor who has a family wanting answers if their loved one will live? The Colonel who must direct the troupes, knowing his decisions can decide the fate of his soldiers? The professor/advisor asked for help about a student's education or career? All of these must make decisions, often
split-second, that will alter lives.

Many of our decisions will not only affect us, but those around us. With that realization, how do we make decisions? Do we just grab answers out of the air? Unless you have some crystal ball to see the future, or you're psychic or have some 'Swami hat' to help you divine answers, you're just like the rest of us with need of clear direction.

The first place I turn for answers is THE Answer. I ask God, the great Creator guidance. Can't tell you how many times I've been asked a question & said a quick prayer under my breath, "Lord, give me wisdom!" Of course, the best way I FIND those answers is reading His word. They're right there in black & white. They're not just rules & regulations for ancient times, but a light to brighten a dark path.

'The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you." Psalm 38:8 NLT

You gotta get gut level honest, though. If you're going to ask God for direction you better know He'll give it. And, if He gives it, you gotta follow! That's usually the rub in our lives. We want direction & answers, but we often don't want the answers we get! Kinda like the guy hanging from a cliff by a twig. He called out, "Can anyone help me?" God said,"Trust Me. Let go & I'll catch you." The guy thought for a minute & called out, "Is there anyone ELSE up there?!"

We have to agree to follow like the Psalmist, who wrote: "Guide my steps by Your word, so I will not be overcome by evil." Psalm 119:133NLT
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