Spiritual Decision-Making

THIS WEEK’S BOLD STEP DEVOTION

“Lot looked around and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan toward Zoar was well watered, like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) ” (Genesis 13:10)

I grew up in a small rural village in northern Spain complete with stone houses, narrow paths, a one-room schoolhouse, and friendly neighbors where my parents were missionaries. At age 17, I left the only home I knew to attend the Moody Bible Institute here in Chicago, a city that was night and day from the village of 200 I grew up in. Needless to say, I was overwhelmed with culture shock and wondered if I had made the right decision.

Since that time, I’ve come to learn that decisions based solely on external appearances can lead to unforeseen spiritual consequences. In my case, I needed to keep my eyes on Jesus rather than the things around me otherwise, I may have gone back home. Faith involves trusting in what we can’t yet see or fully understand. It’s like stepping out onto a bridge before knowing where it leads but that initial decision to step forward often begins with God’s promises and His Word.

I’ve always been drawn to the only person in the Bible called a “friend of God” and that’s Abraham. He wasn’t perfect in his walk with God but throughout his life, faith was demonstrated especially when he left his family in Haran and journeyed to unknown lands. Abraham and Sarah learned on their journey that they could trust God through the process. They took God at His word and trusted Him. Spiritual decision making requires that we first believe and then obey.

When you’re faced with a decision in your life, don’t be surprised if distractions, doubts and even compromises seek to blur your spiritual vision. Here are three key things I’ve found that help me to keep my faith clear:

• Stay Anchored: It’s important to fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith whose promises are unwavering.
• Prayer and Scripture: Regularly seek God through prayer and spend time in His Word. It’s like wiping away the fog on a windshield.
• Community: Surround yourself with fellow believers who encourage and uplift you.

God’s plans for us are good even when circumstances seem unclear or challenging. The fog of uncertainty doesn’t negate your spiritual destiny! We can trust that God is working behind the scenes and His timing is perfect. May your faith journey be guided by wisdom, prayer, worship, and seeking God above all else.

Listen to the sermon: Making Decisions the Faith Way

Part 1Part 2

Ministry Update from Mark

What a powerful time teaching at the Global Proclamation Academy with young pastors/leaders from 27 different countries who gathering at Dallas Theological Seminary this summer. Some of those countries included Pakistan, Malawi, Argentina, Madagascar, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brazil to name a few. There are certain challenges pastors face that vary from country to country, but most of the personal challenges young pastors encounter are the same whether they pastor in Jamaica, Cambodia or the US. God is moving powerfully though and I see Him raising the next generation of pastors to lead His church in these turbulent yet hopeful times!