Most of you know I have really been struggling with the decision of whether or not to be a stay at home mom. I needed to share this today because I feel like there are other women out there that may be struggling with the same decision. Or just maybe one of you are struggling with something even bigger or something small. What ever it is, you NEED to read this. It made the BIG picture clearer for me and I feel peaceful about the decision I believe I have finally made.
It amazes me everyday how God works in my life; when and where he reveals Himself and what exactly He is telling me! Amazing. I am so thankful that I am finally in a place that I have full faith in His plan for my life.
With all that being said, here is what I wanted to share... I have blogged a couple of other times about Proverbs 31 Ministries. I get a daily email with a devotion and almost everyday, it's EXACTLY what I needed to read and be reminded of. Today's email stunned me. Seriously... with teary eyes I read it and whole-heatedly prayed the prayer at the end! If you are struggling with a decision, I pray you find peace and guidance in this mini-devotion.
"It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes." Psalm 118:9 (NIV)
I had looked forward to this moment for days. I sat across the table from my friend and poured out my heart about a big decision I had to make. As I looked into her eyes, I just knew she would have the wisdom I needed. I waited expectantly for her advice.
Instead of an answer to my problems I got a mini sermon. One I needed to hear. My friend pointed out that I was looking to the answer and not the Source of all answers. I thought if I just made the right choice, I would solve all my own problems. "You need to take your focus off making the right decision and trust God," she said. "No matter what you decide to do, He will still take care of you and He will accomplish His purpose for you." (from Psalm 138:8)
I nodded soberly. My friend was right. I had gotten caught up in the outcome. I was placing my trust in princes—looking to people and circumstances for the answers—instead of accepting the truth that, no matter what decision I made, God was going to take care of me. I had made the decision so uber-important that it had eclipsed God's place in my life.
I had prayed to make the right decision. I had journaled pages to Him about it. But ultimately, I reasoned, since He hadn't written the solution in the skies for me, I had to make my own choice based on what I felt was right. I had forgotten that He would still be there working all things together for my good after I made the decision, just as He had before.
If you are facing a big or little decision in your life, seek Him above all. Don't let the outcome or the opinions of others become more important that the One who "opens His hands and satisfies the desires of every living thing" (Psalm 145:16).
No matter whether you make the right decision or the wrong one, He will still be there walking with you, loving you, and helping you. Pray about your decision. Read His word. Seek out godly counsel. And then make the best decision you can. Sometimes the biggest decision is to simply make one. Place your trust in Him and rest in the fact that He will meet you on the other side of whatever decision you make.
Dear Lord, thank You that because of Your grace I know You will always be there. Thank You for the promise in Romans 8:28 that You will work all things out for good. I pray that my life brings You glory and I trust You to work in all circumstances to make that happen. Help me to place my trust in You and not in princes. In Jesus' Name, Amen.