It seems when it comes to doing something for the first time there can be a lot of fear. Especially when we are all alone, at least we may feel like it.
I remember my first flight. I was 13, when I got the opportunity to go spend two weeks with my Aunt and Uncle. I don’t know who it was the scariest for, my parents or myself.
This was back in the day when you could actually go to where people get on the airplane and wait with them. You could even watch them walk on and then watch out the window to watch the plane take off. I miss those days.
I think it is a good thing to have some nervousness with any new thing that we try. It keeps us focused. I remember sitting there waiting with my folks when my dad recognized someone from one of our local churches. If I am recalling correctly I think he was our local conference president. My dad went and talked to him and asked him if he would keep an eye on me. It was nice to know that someone we knew would be with me on the airplane. It is interesting how that made me, as well as my parents be more relaxed about it.
As we go through life there are always things that come along that we need to or want to do that we have never done before. Sometimes we hesitate to even make a decision because we are afraid we might make the wrong decision. A lot of times it is better for us to make a decision, even though, it may be a wrong, than to just not make any decision. Staying in limbo and procrastinating is the worst.
I believe there are some steps we need to do before we make any decisions. Once we have done these things we need to let go of our fears and make a decision. Does God ever allow or even want us to make a wrong decision? I believe that the Lord allows us to make choices and sometimes in the end we realize that it was not the best decision but God uses it to refine our characters. God does not always give us black and white answers of what we should do in life but He uses our decisions for our good. There are steps we need to take in making decisions, though. We can’t just go blindly on our way and let our feelings dictate our decisions.
These are not exhaustive steps but here are a few steps to always take before making a decision.
- Make sure it is in line with God’s Word. Whatever decision you make you want to make sure that it is not going contrary to what God has already made plain in His Word. You can know it is not in His will if it doesn’t line up.
- Make it a matter of prayer. Spending time on your knees is key. You need to ask the Lord to lead you in the study of His Word, when wanting to know His will. If what you desire to do is not going against God’s Word in any way, ask God to reveal to you in what direction you should go. I know it can be hard because He doesn’t always make it plain. Which leads to my next point.
- Walk through the open door. What I love about God is that He is trustworthy. If you are open to His leading and you leave all things in His hands, trusting Him to lead, you have nothing to worry about. Sometimes we can push our way, so beware and make sure you are definitely surrendered to His leading. When a door is open walk through it. Be open and willing for Him to close the doors at any time but if He is not closing them, keep walking through.
- Trust God. If in the end it seems like you made a wrong decision, remember the Lord does not allow you to go through anything that He does not have a purpose. As long as you stay surrendered to Him through each step, learn from it and move on. Allow it to help you grow.
- Learn from it. No matter what decisions you make in life, the most important question is, “Did you learn from it?” God has a purpose for your life and as long as you are surrendered, He is leading. He can even teach you and help you grow through decisions you have made that were wrong. So don’t wallow or beat yourself up. If you have made a decision without doing these steps, confess and ask for God’s forgiveness and He will forgive. Just make sure you learn from it.
Dear Father,
Thank You that as we stay surrendered to You, You will help us to grow. And that You will use all our decisions and circumstances to refine our character. Thank You for Your patience and love.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Surrender your whole life to God and let Him lead. Just like when I went on the airplane with someone I knew to keep and eye on me, God is keeping an eye on you.
Love you all.
Do you remember your first flight? How was it for you? I would love to hear your story.