One random decision set the course of my life
I remember the decision like it was yesterday. My parents were planning a trip back home and asked if I wanted to go. As a young person with her first job, I had already turned down a couple opportunities to go with them since I didn’t want to miss work.
However, this time I said yes. And this time, on my trip back home, I met the man of my dreams at my grandmother’s church.
If I had not went with them, I would not have fallen in love, moved to Illinois and got married. My children would not be who they are. My grandchildren would not exist.
One decision affected my destiny.
One prayer determined my life’s work
But that’s not all. Another decision determined my life’s work.
When my oldest daughter was ten years old, I was looking for work. Feeling discouraged because I had not had a successful interview, I had expressed my frustrations. Elissa asked in her practical, common-sense way, “Mom, if you could have a job doing anything, what would you like to do?”
I was taken aback because I seriously had not asked myself that question before. I was just looking for a place to earn money to provide for our needs. It never ocurred to me to look for work I WANTED to do.
(My 5 minutes are up. But I must finish my story!)
I thought for a bit and then said, “I think I would make a good church secretary because I’ve done almost every other job at church.”
I spoke the answer into existence because the very next day, a relative called saying her church needed a secretary; and during her prayer time, she felt a prompting from God to call me and ask if I was interested.
Within the week, I was working at her church, which started me on the path to all the things I do now.
God promises to guide
Don’t let fear of making wrong choices keep you stuck, though. If you are a believer who determines each day to follow the Lord, He promises to guide you.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
Psalm 23:3 NLT
You won’t miss your own destiny because He is planning your path.
The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
I will advise you and watch over you.Psalm 32:8,9 NLT
Because of my previous choices, these three exist!
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Today’s post was written in response to the prompt, “determine,” provided by the Five Minute Friday community of writers. We all write for 5 minutes on one word. It’s amazing to see the different direction each writer takes.
In the interest of full disclosure, I wrote for 5 minutes; then took extra time to finish my last point, choose photos, headings and scriptures to illustrate my post.
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I’m sharing this post with the communities at Five Minute Friday, Grace & Truth, Inspire Me Monday, InstaEncouragement Link-Up, Tell His Story, Let’s Have Coffee
All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy.
Two wonderful stories, Jerralea, thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Lisa. So glad you dropped by!
Love those stories and examples! Some simple decisions in my past have determined the course of my life as well. Your post (and so many of the other FMFs I’m reading) are very encouraging right now, as we are having to determine the next chapter in our lives. We know that God is planning our path!
Yes, Kym! It is so freeing to know He is planning our path – and that He is big enough to get us back on track if we fall off.
Without every choice that’s made,
today would not exist,
even though a price is paid
at no little risk.
Without precious dreams defined
by you, and only you,
life’s gold could not be refined
and nothing would come true.
Without prayer that’s boldly lifted
in bright confidence and trust,
boons with which you would be gifted
would flake down to rust,
so for your God and for yourself,
don’t leave ‘decisive’ on the shelf!
Wow, Andrew! I think this is your best one yet! Thanks for sharing.
What a different direction your life might have taken had you not met your husband at your grandmother’s church. I’m glad it all worked out! It’s so interesting to look back at our past and see God’s hand in it.
Yes, it is so cool to look back and see God’s hand directing my path and introducing me to people He wanted in my life. Thanks for coming, Lisa!
Ahhh, Jerralea, I love this story! God is pretty amazing, isn’t He? His timing, the promptings He places on our (and others’) hearts, and more lead/encourage us toward His Plan A for us. I’m so glad you shared this. And I love your pics of your grand! They are so precious!
It is wonderful to look back and see how the Lord has guided our steps and our choices. And look at those precious faces!
Jerralea, thanks for the reminder that He will direct our choices as we lean fully into Him.
Fear is a lousy decision-making platform, isn’t it …