For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it---lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish'?" Luke 14:28-30
Life is built on decisions. Big ones and small ones. When I was finishing Cosmetology School I had been approached by a Salon owner and asked to come and work for her. I was immediately honored and shocked that she had chosen me. I talked to Dana and my school instructor about it and through their encouragement knew that this would be a great opportunity for me.
I worked hard on learning all I needed to know about running a business, being a dependable employee and perfecting my vocation. As time was drawing closer for me to finish school and go to work for her full time I was getting excited. I even got to start going to her salon a couple of afternoons a week and working under her to learn her ways, while getting acquainted with her clientele and becoming familiar with my work space.
As time went by and I was able to get to know her more I realized we had many differences in lifestyle, our beliefs and work ethic which gave me moments of doubt about my decision. I prayed about it and knew that I had already given her my word. Over time there were red flags I didn't pay much attention to; thinking they were not of importance but gave me a heavy heart. Meanwhile Sonya had gone to work for a Salon (yes, my two sisters and I were all at one time in the beauty industry) and she had called to tell me there was an opening and would I be interested? I couldn't go back on my word. I would stay where I thought God had placed me.
A few days before graduation I had gone to my instructors office (a godly woman I respected) to discuss this matter (it was keeping me up at night). She listened thoughtfully and seemed to already know I was struggling with my decision.
And this was her advice to me, "Kim, in life there are always decisions we have to make. We pray first and trust that God will show you what is best." She told me of the story of the man in a flood that prayed for God to save him but he refused the life preserver, the boat and then the helicopter. When the man got to heaven he asked the Lord why He didn't save him from the flood? God answered, "I sent you all you needed but you refused my help." She then said, "Don't you think He's sending you your life preservers? Through your misgivings of what you have learned; of the red flags; and now a new offer on the table. Don't refuse His help. Trust." She will never know the relief I felt when I walked out of her office that day (Thank you, again, Ms B.)
The bottom line:
*Good decisions will often have pieces of not so good.
*Sometimes if we're hoping to be able to know the perfect choice and then move forward with absolute certainty, we'll probably never move forward.
*God's promises are not dependent on our ability to always choose well, but rather on His ability to use well.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." (Rom. 8:28)
"We must have at the core of our hearts a love for God and a surrender to God if we want to be guided by God." -Lysa Terkeurst
Remember, if your heart and mind are aligned with God, you don't have to agonize over a decision. You will go in the direction you are focused which is God's way. So focus always on Him and His plan and if you don't know His plan on a certain decision yet then focus on His Word and slowly it will unfold day by day (I wish I understood this truth early on in my life, it would have kept me from many sleepless nights).
I love you & He loves you more!
Lord, Thank You for always being here with me. For guiding, directing and sending me life preservers at just the right time. Help me to always focus my sight on You and Your Word when making decisions. You are who I trust! Amen.
Originally posted on 1/31/2020