Under Grace

When God created the world, He gave Adam and Eve the task of caring for the earth. God gave them confidence, strength, and the ability to make decisions. And they had lots of decisions to make—starting with naming all the birds, livestock, and wild animals. I had enough trouble choosing names for my childhood pets. I can’t imagine picking names for every animal.

But when Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, their ability to choose brought disobedience and shame. They lost their nearness with their Creator. What now? Would people choose to serve God or follow idols? Would they trust in God or be overcome with doubt? Would they live by faith or worry about every decision? Lately, I’ve had a tough time making decisions. I waste time deciding on plans. I type out a text, then second-guess my word choice. I worry about what to wear, or what to have for dinner, or which decision will work out best in the end. Maybe you’re with me. Maybe you’ve spent so much time trapped in your indecision that you wish someone would just tell you what to do. But we have this gift: God has not abandoned us. The world is broken, but God offers redemption. He sees our struggles and our worries. He came to be with us and to redeem what has been lost and broken. Because Jesus died and rose again, we can enjoy nearness with our Creator again. When we can’t make up our mind, we can rest in His love and lean into His help.

In Matthew 6, Jesus speaks to our worries, and He says, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness†(Matthew 6:33). If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, His Spirit is in us, helping us to make choices that honor God, choices that love Him and others. And so we can put our decisions in God’s hands. We can trust Him to guide us, even when we don’t hear a clear answer about which path to take, because “we know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose†(Romans 8:28). We can believe that, in His love, God will lead us well. We don’t have to sit trapped in indecision. We are redeemed, confident, and strong in Him, and He has given us the ability to make decisions. • Becca Wierwille

• What sorts of decisions tend to be most difficult for you?

• Who are trusted Christians in your life who can help you listen for God’s guidance?

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment. 2 Timothy 1:7 (CSB)

Read Verses:

Rom.8.31-Rom.8.39|Eph.2.8-Eph.2.10