"Decisions, Decisions"

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:5-8 NASB).

As you may have guessed by the title of today’s Morning Devotional, I have a decision to make. So, the process is on my mind. As is my habit, you are usually the recipient of the thoughts and inspiration I receive from the Lord. Today is no different, though perhaps a little more personal than usual. Let me start at the beginning of the story.

Some months ago you may remember me writing that I thought I had shin splints. It certainly felt like I did. Eventually I was encouraged enough and in enough pain that I went to the doctor. That set into motion a series of things. I was tested for hairline fractures (none), blood clots (none), and promptly sent to a specialist. He examined my leg and concurred it was shin splints. I was immediately sent to physical therapy. The first fifteen minutes was gathering information and then I was told to lie on my stomach to begin the therapy. As soon as the world stopped spinning and I could no longer see stars from the pain, the therapist said, “You don’t have shin splints. Let me get the doctor.” Well, that meant x-rays of my back and a determination that I had deteriorating vertebrae which was putting pressure on the nerve bundle and causing the pain. Six weeks later and no permanent relief brought another specialist, a MRI, and the news that I had three choices: do nothing (thanks!), take shots for temporary relief (are you kidding?), or have surgery to correct the real problem of a lateral herniated disk! What in the world!

So, that’s where I am today. I have a decision to make. I began to follow my process. It’s really simple: pray, seek wisdom from God and trusted others, and decide. I had about thirty minutes of driving time after the doctor this morning, so I began to pray. I’m not done with that step yet, but I’ve begun. I have called my most trusted confidants. I first talked to Mary; then called the boys. The decision will be mine, but I trust their input enormously. I’ve already got all the medical advice. I’ll do a little research, but now it’s a matter of God and family.

Isn’t that how it’s supposed to be? Watch, listen, don’t miss this… every decision comes to that. That’s what James is talking about in our reading today. Ask God and he will give you wisdom. Seek the comfort and counsel of your family; they should be your inner circle. I know that’s not always possible. Sometimes your family is not in touch with the Lord. I’m very blessed that mine are and can be implicitly trusted. If yours are not, I hope you have a church family to stand in their stead.

You may be facing a tough decision. May I be so bold to suggest that you don’t skip any of the “steps”? Here they are again: pray… seek wise counsel… and decide in faith that all will be in your heavenly Father’s hands!