The Challenge of Choices

My daughter and I recently explored Woodman’s for the first time. Wow. Now I’ve shopped Costco, Sam’s, and a host of other “super centers,” but Woodman’s blew me away.

If you’re not familiar with this chain, it’s known for its huge variety of grocery items. The cereal selection alone takes up two, (yes, TWO) aisles!!

Thankfully, I know our favorites and could locate those fairly easily. But I wondered, what if I was new to the world of American breakfast fare? What if I had no idea what I wanted? Would I need to spend an hour just reading labels? Or would I just grab something and hope for the best?

It’s really the epitome of American society. We have more choices than we can handle, more activities to choose from, more things to be done. (Even as I write this my laundry awaits, along with the rest of my weekend “to-do” list. I’m tempted to bag this blog and get to work!)

The truth is God created us to have a choice, it’s called “free-will.” He did not make us into robots who would just do as He pleases. He made us in His image and by doing so, gave us the gift of choice – from our daily options (sleep in or get up, eat now or eat later) to our broader life choices (our career, where we’ll live and how we’ll live).

God knew very well that all the choices before us could and would trip us up. He knew the unlimited options would be vying for first place, so He gave us this clear command, “You shall have no other gods before me.”   In other words, “among the myriad of choices before you, just make sure I’m Numero Uno.” Easier said than done, I know.

So what does it look to make God your first priority? 

Flash back with me to the summer of 1982. I was an awkward 15 year old, struggling to find my identity. Did I know God? Oh sure, I was raised in a home where God was part of the daily conversation, devotions were read occasionally, and Sunday church was a must.  I knew all about God. I knew the bible stories and even helped with Sunday school once in a while.

But I really didn’t KNOW God personally – it was kind of like knowing the boss of company you work for. You know what he looks like, what car he drives, and you’ve even met his family a time or two.  But you’ve never really talked with the guy, you don’t know his personality, you don’t know what makes him tick.  Oh, of course you do what he says, but you’re not really sure why. Until he invites you to his home…

In 1982, God invited me to come home. I didn’t recognize the invitation at first. Early on it came in the form a few bible verses I was learning in school.  I learned them, recited them, and put them aside.  I had other invitations that kept me busy – friends, parties; besides, I was already going to church. What more did I need?

God’s invitation continued in other ways – through books I was reading – and especially internally.  When school let out for the summer, I had less distractions, but I became very restless and discontent. I felt lonely, lost, and unimportant. I had no purpose, no meaning.

Finally, one sultry July day, with tears, I humbly gave in and accepted God’s invitation to come home. I surrendered my heart to Him, my life to Him and put Him in First place where He belonged.

OVERWHELMING PEACE is the best way I can describe what I felt that day.  In that instant, everything changed for me.  I take no credit for it, God did it all!  He worked a miracle within that brought forgiveness, peace, and joy.  I remember that even my sister noticed the change without my saying anything. “Why are you being so nice?” she asked.

Since then, I have enjoyed getting to know “the Boss.”  By reading His Book (the Bible), talking to Him (prayer) I’ve gotten to know Him more.  I’ve learned that He’s a just and loving God who invites ALL people to know Him. (1 Timothy 2:3-4)

Let me be perfectly clear, my life since then hasn’t always been easy, but I have God to guide me, give me strength, and help me sort things out when the multiple choices are before me!

You see, God doesn’t want to be just one more thing in our lives, He wants to be our everything.

When God has top-billing, the rest falls into place.  He’s there leading us, guiding us, helping us pick up the pieces when we blow it, as we often do with all the choices in this life.

Where are you?  Are you still searching as I was? You may know about Him, but do you KNOW Him? I guarantee if you don’t, He knows you, and He’s been sending you invitations to know Him better.

Maybe you can’t see Him among all your activities and priorities.  Is His invitation drowned out among the myriad of choices before you? I’d encourage you to get out of the cereal aisle, look and listen for Him.  Let Him be your everything!

“I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love.     With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.” Jeremiah 31:3

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Gretchen Huesmann

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