First Baptist Church of Herndon

You decide

Linda Soller | Aug 17, 2015

Sometimes I am pretty sure God wishes he could smack some sense into me. I can be hard headed. Recently back from a lovely vacation, I headed to work feeling fine and rested. Later that day I didn’t feel so fine. Long story short, it’s pretty clear I will be making some lifestyle changes over the coming weeks. A few of those changes are already in place. I will need to eat better, and maybe a bit less. I will need to exercise more and routinely. If not successful I will most likely have to go on medication. All of this because I have failed to make good decisions. And more importantly, I knew I was making bad decisions, but I made them anyway.

I know God was making a point because two things happened within days of my doctor appointments. First I went to a work related meeting where the topic was wellness and helping people make good decisions. I strolled in totally prepared to enjoy the coffee and pastries. Running late, I set my stuff down in a chair and glanced at the table. What was up with this? Almost everyone had a water bottle, not coffee. Only two people had pastries. Was I the only one who was starving? I poured myself a half cup of coffee and grabbed a water bottle. The speaker started, so I quickly sat down without any food. Next he put two Oreo cookies in front of each of us. Yes, it was a test. Thank goodness they weren’t double stuff Oreos. He spoke about why people make bad choices and how we can help them make good habits. I survived the meeting without pastries or Oreos. What had I been thinking? Wasn’t I just in the doctor’s office two days before learning I needed to get my act together?

Later that day I was checking my email. In the email was the “Daily Prayer” I get from my friend, Bill. The prayers are always meaningful, but this week his topic really hit home. Bill addressed the decisions we make every day and how they impact our lives. What!  Was Bill at my morning meeting? It was so clear to me God was telling me I had to decide. I could no longer blame food commercials, or a busy schedule, or anything else. I had to face it. I had made bad decisions and if I didn’t change my ways the price could be high.

We do the same when it comes to faith. We pick between going to church or doing something else. We choose not to let people know we are Christians. We forget to pray. We decide where we will put God in our lives. I am so blessed to know God is watching over me. I know He will be my strength when I face the hard choices. I am confident He will keep sending me reminders until I build my good habits. All of this because I made the decision to believe and follow. No one made it for me.  No one kept me from making it. I decided. Do you want the blessings God offers? You decide.

Have a great week! :o)  Linda