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Choosing For God

Decision Making

11 Nov

We procrastinators tend to avoid making choices. Or we might be stuck waffling between choices. When Joshua said, “Choose you this day whom you will serve,” he prodded his people toward decision.

He prompted them to decide who would be their god, the one they would worship and obey, the one whose ways they would follow.

Joshua made his choice clear. “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” That was settled.

Did that mean Joshua and his family always agreed with or wanted what God directed? Surely not. They were human like us. The living out of Joshua’s choice meant that daily, even moment by moment, he and his family would have this settled decision to guide them. They still had to walk it out.

Last week I shared about my choosing against God even though I have committed my life to Him. (Read “Choosing Against God,” – November 3) What helps me be faithful to choose Him in the moment and overcome procrastination?

In a sense, it helps me not to think!

That’s true. If I know the right thing to do, I cannot let my thoughts go elsewhere. My own thoughts can lead me astray.

Eve knew what was right, but she allowed herself to think about the appeal of forbidden fruit. If I think about the appeal of another choice, it’s trouble. “But cherry pie is my favorite.” Don’t think; say, “No, thank you.” “It feels so good to lie in this warm bed.” Don’t think; get up!

Years ago I commented that I didn’t understand why a particular situation bothered some people. A wiser, older lady responded, “That’s because you’ve decided. You know what you are going to do. People who haven’t decided struggle.”

Honestly, it’s not always that simple for me. Still, I struggle less in the moment when I do not think about the appeal of another choice. In the moment, I can be diligent and choose to serve the Lord I said I would. I can walk out the decision I made.

This week, please tell us, what helps you be faithful?

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2 Comments

« Choosing Against God
Celebratin’ Not Procrastinatin’! »

Comments

  1. Elena Schuenemeyer says

    December 2, 2014 at 2:34 pm

    Thinking about the long term goal keeps me making the right choices:)
    I’m helping my son pay his college debt. So many times I feel tired and want to say “no” to some days, but I think of him and it keeps me going:)
    In the same way, I think about the joy to be had from spending time with Jesus and it motivates me to read His Word.
    Thanks Beth for all your encouragement!

    Reply
    • Beth Sterne says

      December 3, 2014 at 3:37 pm

      Yes! Often we don’t define the long term goal. Doing that helps us see the goal posts and know which way to run. Thank you for your example, Elena, of making the right choice by steadily showing up to chip away at your financial goal. Thank you for reminding us of the joy we find in Jesus by reading His Word. He’s our life source and greatest joy!

      Reply

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BETH STERNE
Welcome! It's great to have you here. I'm a follower of Christ and a learner of new ways. By His grace, I am gaining victory over procrastination. This is where I share struggles I face and lessons I'm learning. Join me and other sisters as we put off procrastination and put on peace.

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“Beth’s presentation on procrastination was truly eye-opening. I knew I had a problem with procrastination, but never thought twice about how it impacted my relationships and showed God that I wasn’t onboard with His plan. I began to see each instance took away from being fruitful; I was living for myself! After this revelation, I have been working on procrastinating less. I can see places opening up in my life for more peaceful moments, more time with and for friends and family, and more time for God’s plan to unfold. It’s amazing to know there’s more to life for me than a life full of “should haves” as a result of procrastination.”
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Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise! It has
no commander, no overseer or ruler,
yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.
Proverbs 6:6-8
... you have put off the old man with
his deeds, and have put on the new
man who is renewed in knowledge
according to the image of Him who
created him.
Colossians 3:9-10

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