Choices (#121 of 365+)

Soon after Joni was released from the hospital she did not want anyone else to feed her anymore. So they inserted a bent spoon in her arm splint—because she didn’t have the use of her hands—and
she set out to use her weak shoulder muscles to manipulate the spoon into the food and up to her mouth. It was a lot of hit and miss, with mostly misses. Food would keep falling into her lap. It must have been awkward, frustrating, and even humiliating. She wanted to give up but God had others plans for her. She said after some time she “was able to… cultivate a little bit of humility”. Today she’s married and serves as the director of an international Christian ministry to the disabled. She’s an author, a speaker, and a world-traveler. Her life has become much more God-honoring now than if she’d given up back then and given in to self-pity.

After reading today’s devotional, I’m reminded that decisions I make today can have a ripple effect not just into tomorrow but also throughout eternity. Joni offered three “Choice” scripture verses to demonstrate how God is navigating a specific path for me, his child. He gives me the choice to follow his directions or go my own stubborn way but—the bible is very clear on this—when I don’t choose to go God’s way I’m actually choosing against his way. And that way never turns out pretty. So how on earth could I be so stupid to make the same mistakes time and again? Yet I still do... That’s why I need to meditate on these verses:

“Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15)

“Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold”—or, as the Message version says—“Prefer my life-disciplines over chasing after money, and God-knowledge over a lucrative career” (Proverbs 8:10)

“I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life” (Deuteronomy 30:19-20, italics mine)

Joni said of her experiences, “Choosing the right path is hard. Often we have to keep pushing through failures. Sometimes it seems easier just to ignore God’s instructions”. Her life of faith in the midst of disability testifies to God’s faithfulness to those who humble themselves and put their trust in him. “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time” (1 Peter 5:6). Contrary to popular wisdom, a life of dependence upon the Lord is actually freeing… and takes the focus off of me and shines the spotlight on him— where it belongs!

“Be Glorified” by Chris Tomlin

Your love has captured me/Your grace has set me free/Your life the air I breathe/Be glorified in me

You set my feet to dancing/You set my heart on fire/In the presence of a thousand kings/you are my one desire

I stand before you now/With trembling hands lifted high/Be glorified

Be glorified in me

Lord, I choose you. Knowing you is the richest experience I could ever have. Guide me in the path of righteousness and make me a blessing to someone else today. Be glorified in me. Amen.