By: Rachelle Hitt Bilbo

The Power of Choices

Galatians 6:7-8 "...A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life."

The saying - "Why do bad things happen to good people?" - often comes to mind when the bad choices of others cause unbearable pain and destruction to those who have not done anything to deserve these "bad things."

Sadly, many individuals go on to wonder where IS God at these times. Is He allowing this to happen? Is this part of His plan for their lives? Well, the only way to even approach these questions is to consider the beginning of time when God created Adam and Eve. God could have created Adam and Eve to be like puppets who only moved or spoke when He commanded.

Instead, God has cut the strings in our lives and given us free will. He is not a puppeteer forcing us to act a certain way. He guides us through His love and Spirit, but He allows all of us to make CHOICES. Along with these choices often come either positive or negative results as described in today's verses........

However, God speaks very strongly of what happens when our choices or the choices of others harm or MISLEAD His children... Mark 9:42 says, "If anyone causes one of these little ones--those who believe in Me--to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea."

We are all faced with daily choices involving what we consume, where we go, who we fellowship with, what we allow in our environments and more. I challenge you today to always make choices that BRING life to yourself AND those around you. Sure, there will be things that happen to us that were not a result of OUR actions but sadly the actions of others. However, your response is your choice and could very well determine the outcome of a tough situation.

Dear Lord, Please help me to make good choices in my life that will reflect honor and glory to You. Let me always be directed by Psalm 121:1-2 when the poor choices of individuals have caused intense distress to me or others - "I lift up my eyes to the mountains---where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."

I also thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.