Christmas Decisions

by | Apr 11, 2020 | Christmas, Guidance

“When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord commanded. He brought Mary home to be his wife.” Matthew 1:24 NLT

She was 17 with one year left in high school and a major life decision before her.

Mom was the love of Dad’s life. They were introduced by Dad’s aunt, and he immediately fell in love with this country girl with dark hair and a shapely figure. World events soon placed a decision before them both. Things were heating up in China and Taiwan. Dad was of age, and the draft was in full force. Sure enough, he was called up and eventually stationed in Oklahoma. From here he would be shipped to Taiwan. But none of this was going to happen before he placed a ring on Mom’s finger…or so he hoped. She had planned a church wedding, but now she had a decision to make. Would she agree to a “quickie” wedding at the preacher’s house or wait until Dad returned from overseas…if he came back at all. She chose the present over an uncertain future.

Joseph too had a decision to make. The woman he was engaged too was pregnant. He knew he wasn’t the father. From all appearances, she had been unfaithful. He decided on a private divorce…until an angel appeared and informed him the child Mary carried had been conceived by God’s power-not another man. Imagining what might be ahead for him and Mary-ridicule, shunning, laughter-he chose to take her as his wife nevertheless.

My greatest life decision concerned this very baby. When I was nine, Dad presented me with the proposition of accepting Jesus as my Savior. I had to decide. No one else could do it for me. Dad and Mom loved Him. All of my grandparents and great-grandparents served Him as well. But they couldn’t choose Him for me.

Since that time, life has presented me with many more decisions-some I’ve enjoyed making and others I wished I could have avoided. As the angel was present to assist Joseph with his decision, so God has made Himself available to help me with every decision I’ve encountered. All I have to do is ask and listen.

God promises He is concerned with every one of our life’s details-including the plethora of decisions. Since God speaks primarily through His Word, ingraining it into our minds only makes sense. When decision time comes, it’s wise to spend time in prayer first. But when we have to make those spur of the moment decisions, having God’s directions in our minds helps us make the right decision.

With God in your life, you never have to decide alone.

Martin Wiles Hodges, South Carolina, USA

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