Big Life Decisions
Hubby and I are again faced with some major life decisions. It is not the first time we have had to consider this particular decision and it is something we most likely will have to face again in the not so distant future. One thing that we struggle with is the advice and viewpoint of others (either spoken or generally implied). Have you ever noticed that when facing big decisions Christians tend to push you toward taking the most difficult path before you?
Sometimes we are called out of our comfort zone and to trust the Lord blindly. He does do that. Sometimes we are called to leave all security and comfort and to go to a place that is not clear to us. I do struggle with the idea though that taking the hidden or not so clear path seems to be a measure of one’s faith. The idea that the bigger the leap the bigger the faith one possesses is not necessarily accurate. I sometimes think that this dismisses the easier road.
Yes, one should never take the easier road just because it is easier. But taking the easier road does not necessarily mean that one has less faith, which is often implied. Sometimes taking the bigger leap just to prove one has a strong faith is not the right thing to do. Take time to consider one’s motivation.
Sometimes taking the easier road is the right decision. We should never dismiss the provision of God along the easier path. It is not always about greed or comfort, sometimes it is about resting in what the Lord has already provided. I think too that sometimes it takes more faith to take the easier road knowing that other Christians will consider you to be one of little faith.
Have you ever come across this way of thinking? Do you believe that the bigger the leap proves a bigger faith? Do you think that taking the easier path can still display great faith? What are your thoughts? As one considers this, how do you think advising others might change? Please, share your thoughts.
Tags: Christianity, Pondering Posted in Christianity, Pondering
April 6th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
These are interesting ideas. It seems that how big our leap is not the measure of our faith but rather whether we are seeking God’s will. Perhaps the seemingly easier road is simply the right road, for God has laid that path for you. I know it is difficult to discern God’s will on many life issues but if we pray and wxpress our fiath in him, he will lead and guide us. Sometimes it is just the peaces and confidence we feel in a decision. The difficult path that some may favour and direct us in has to be taken if it’s the right path but will we persevere? Will those same people support and encourage when things are not going so smoothly?
No idea what you are facing, but may God set a clear direction for you. Where we can we need to check with scriputre. If it is clear then there is no decision at all, right? But often we need to use principles. See the Lord!
.-= Ruby´s last blog ..A Special Birthday =-.
Twitter: youngwifestale
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April 6th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
Thank you for writing this. I think people mean well, but often are too free to give advice. I’m praying that you and your husband make good decisions and feel at peace about them.
.-= Young Wife´s last blog ..Seventh Generation Cleaning Products Giveaway =-.
April 6th, 2010 at 2:09 pm
I think just knowing that others will judge your choice of an “easier” path is where the real faith challenge comes into play. If you’ve had a personal confirmation for the path you choose, then NO ONE has a right to judge. I’ve been there done that myself and even with a few church leaders…it was a very frustrating time for me, but a learning experience for all. To this day this expereince still challenges me, all because I chose to listen to the LORD tell me to choose an “easier” path. I put it in quotes because the repercussions and judgements have NOT been easy. I hope I have made sense. As far as advising others…no clue, just sharing the experience and leaving it up to the person being advised to be lead by God or to be stuck in their prideful judgement is all I know.
(((hugs)))
April 6th, 2010 at 3:32 pm
Faith if faith and I’m not sure it’s doctrinely correct for others or ourselves to even measure if someone has little or big. KWIM? It only takes a mustard seed for goodness sakes! ::grin::
In my personal life, I’ve seen that often the “easy” road turns out to be more challenging than imagined and that there are things God wants us to do on that road…..
IMO, the key (and what I share often) is to find the road HE wants you on – easy or hard – and find the benefits, joys and challenges on that road. There are sure to be a mixture of all on any road we travel.
.-= De’Etta´s last blog ..Establishing a New Normal =-.
Twitter: jacque_dixon
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April 6th, 2010 at 6:27 pm
I can tell you that enough people I know think we are crazy most of the time for how we live and the choices we make that it is pretty much the norm.
I don’t ever recall thinking about whether I should take the easier or the harder road.
To me, personally, following Yah’s plan for our lives is not about the harder or easier road. It is about following. I feel like everything should be done in faith anyway, and that doesn’t leave room for what is the easier or harder road. Maybe I just don’t get it because I don’t know the two decisions you have to choose from.
For us, the paths have always been more about what is clearly Scriptural instead of what is easier or harder. Sometimes the path is easier. Sometimes the path is harder. Or perhaps, the paths are not as they seem and neither you nor those who give advice know which is which from the ways of Yah.
All I know is this: When you know, you know. And when you know, you better do that.
Easier or harder is not the measure of our obedience, doing what we know is his will is.
Shalom friend. May you know that you know and have peace in your understanding of his plans~
.-= Jacque @Walking Therein´s last blog ..Good for Momma’s Heart =-.
Twitter: cmclaire
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April 7th, 2010 at 5:35 am
Some really interesting points…I’m praying for you guys.
Cxx