Have you ever had to make a split-second decision? As a pastor you are constantly faced with decisions. Some decisions shape our days, while others define our lives. At times we have the luxury of careful thought. Other times life demands split-second reactions, leaving us with little control over the outcome.
That is what happened as my wife, Aurora, and I drove down the highway headed to a friend’s birthday celebration. A large van ahead of us suddenly swerved, revealing a stalled car right in front of us. Then, a woman stepped out from the stalled car, completely unaware of the danger. My heart pounded as I realized I had just a fraction of a second to act. Turning left was a death sentence—oncoming traffic would crush us. Turning right was not an option either—the woman was in the lane, and hitting her was unthinkable. My only shot was to slam on the brakes and pray. That’s precisely what I did.
Whether you make a quick decision or one that is carefully considered, decisions shape our lives and determine our destinies. Here are seven decisions that can help you live a joyful life.
- Decide who controls your life—you or God. If God is in control, then trust Him. As the Scripture says,
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight
(Prov. 3:5, 6).1
Ellen G. White says, “Worry is blind, and cannot discern the future; but Jesus sees the end from the beginning. In every difficulty He has His way prepared to bring relief.”2 - Decide to be grateful every day. Find something for which you are grateful today. The Bible says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess. 5:18). “Nothing tends more to promote health of body and of soul than does a spirit of gratitude and praise.”3 Can you think of one or two things for which you are thankful?
- Decide to know your purpose and live with purpose. Know God’s plan for you and resolve to follow it. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Eph. 2:10).
- Decide to enjoy God’s presence. Nothing brings more joy to the heart than the presence of God. “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Ps. 16:11).
- Decide to live a life of service to others with love. The spirit of unselfish labor for others will bring joy. “ ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’ ” (Acts 20:35). “The spirit of unselfish labor for others gives depth, stability, and Christlike loveliness to the character.”4
- Decide to practice constant forgiveness. If there is one thing that this world needs, it is more kindness. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Eph. 4:32).
- Decide to rejoice in the hope of His second coming despite the circumstances. Knowing that Jesus will come soon to take us home will bring hopeful joy and happiness. “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Rom. 12:12).
Did I make the right split-second decision on that highway years ago? Our car was totaled, but no one was killed; praise the Lord!
Many years ago I made another decision: I decided to give my life to the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the best decision anyone can make in this life. I invite you to choose to come to Jesus just as you are every day. He loves you and is waiting for you with open arms.
- Scripture is from the New International Version.
- Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press, 1898), 330.
- Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press, 1905), 251.
- Ellen G. White Steps to Christ (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press, 1892), 80.
