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You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.
John 15:16 (NIV)

Just because we think we are right, doesn’t mean we are…

One of the funniest stories my husband and I used to share about “our adventures” together was about the time the sign was wrong. We were coming back from a ski trip and returning to our home in Omaha, Nebraska. It was a simple drive, Mostly a straight shot on Interstate 80. We carefully planned our return trip to stop at a game bar in Paxton, Nebraska. About 90 minutes shy of Paxton, we made a quick stop at the gas station, checked out voicemails, and then quickly proceeded on our way.

This was back in the early 90s when you used paper maps and cell phones didn’t have much coverage, especially in western Nebraska. As time went by I kept getting hungrier and hungrier. But still no sign of Paxton, the town we were looking for. Perplexed, I started checking the paper map and finally realized something was wrong.

We were heading west instead of east! At that moment, we passed an I-80 west interstate sign which I pointed out to my husband and said, “Look, that sign says we are headed west.” My husband replied, without a moment’s hesitation, “The sign must be wrong.” It was a defining moment in our relationship as I realized that my husband had confidence that I would never have. And to prove his point, he kept going. When we started seeing the signs for Wyoming, he finally turned around.

We laughed about that incident our entire married life. He was so sure he was right. Oh, how I miss that confidence he had.

How can we be sure we are right?

As widows, we have to make so many decisions. And for most of us it is unchartered territory. We agonize over making the “right” decision. Sometimes, we even become paralyzed from fear of making the wrong decision. Other times we are have decision fatigue so bad we just go with whatever decision and throw caution to the wind. Hoping God will catch us and make things right. We seek wise counsel from others but even that is not always a guarantee. What if they are feeling sure they know the right answer but they haven’t taken the time to seek God’s wisdom on that particular situation? It happens often and the effects can be painful!

What about the widow who is directed by wise friends to sell her house right away so that she is in a better financial situation? Sounds like wise counsel but often times, God’s plan is to provide the resources so she can take more time until the grief is not so fresh. Or what about the widow who is told repeatedly not to jump into anew marriage too quickly. For many that is wise counsel but I also know some who have been incredibly blessed by the marriages that God arranged “way too soon”. What a shame it would have been if they had lost either their relationship or that time together. All of these are examples of why we can’t just rely on guidelines from others or even how we feel. It is God who needs to direct our steps.

Fulfilling the purpose God has for my life

John 15:16 NIV can give us much comfort in regards to making decisions. If we understand that our life is not our own and that He has appointed us to have a fruitful life, then all we need to do is ask Him to guide us according to His will.

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

No more agonizing over every detail trying to figure it out. Freedom from throwing caution to the wind and “hoping” it will all turn out. Our role is to seek Him and follow Him. Ask Him to put order to our steps.

A new assignment

Recently I got a new assignment from God. An adventure across the world. And I had to make an almost instant decision on whether I was going to obey or let fear take over.

I did not have time to seek counsel from others. But I know my God. I talk to Him daily, asking for Him to help me obey and to align me with His will, not mine. So looking at the signs He had prepared in advance to confirm He was guiding me to this spot, I was able to jump. I can’t say it is without any fear, because it is WAY outside my comfort zone. But I can take each step with GREAT confidence (my husband would be so proud) because I know that I am never alone. God is guiding me so that I might go and bear fruit. And I am so humbled and grateful that God allows me to be a part of His plan and He will be glorified!

Lord, help us live out Your plan for our lives. Help us go and bear fruit – fruit that will last! For Your Glory! Amen.