“In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:6
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People who participate in athletics come to a point in life when they must make the decision to walk away from the game they love. The decision seems difficult as a professional or an amateur. Either way, it is a major life decision.
I remember the moment well. I was in my second year of college playing basketball at a small junior college when the decision presented itself. I had been playing this game for a long time, and the thoughts of not being a participant were overwhelming. To make a long story short, I was able to decide to “hang up my sneakers” and move on to what was next.
As we realize that life is full of decisions, what helps us navigate and make the right choices?
I learned some valuable lessons when I “retired” from the game. One is to pray for God’s direction. Proverbs 3:6 says in part, “… and he will make your paths straight.” When we seek God’s direction prayerfully, we have assurance that God will guide us to decide wisely.
A second lesson is to bring people we trust in on our decisions. I remember my coach at the time and my dad being two helpful voices in assisting me with this monumental decision. Proverbs 11:14 reminds us, “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.” Bringing our trusted “advisers” along with us on the pathway of decision-making is a good idea.
A third lesson is to take spiritual inventory to ensure that we have, in fact, received Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Turning to Jesus in believing faith not only ushers in forgiveness from God, but also His Holy Spirit enters into our lives. Jesus taught that the Holy Spirit will “guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13).
We all have different kinds of decisions to make in life. Thankfully God’s wisdom is available for us!
— Brad King
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