John and I sit in our study, a cold metal gray Minnesota sky letting barely any light squeeze in. We swivel our comfy chairs towards each other, both with expressions of love, concern, and regret written on our faces regarding a hard decision we have to make.
We had rented a condo in Florida for the month of April, but don’t know if it is wise to go.
I know, I know…I see you rolling your eyes!
Definitely a first world problem; not the life-and-death, or will-our-business-survive, or can-we-afford-our rent type!
This season has made us more acutely aware of the privilege of having choices and not feeling the desperation many feel.
As we pray and process this decision that would seem of little consequence to many, it strikes me that what guides us in this tiny thing, is relevant to many of the big decisions we face during this pandemic.
Daily we may be guided by the line many have quoted over the years, and most recently by Emily P. Freeman, “Do the next right thing.” but there are times when even that is unclear.
So here’s what I did that might help you with other types of decisions:
- I started by making a list of pros and cons based on the facts that we knew.
- Then I made a list of questions – variables that might change, and if they did, would affect our decision.
- As a follower of Jesus this last thing was the most important. I asked: What does Scripture say about this? I wasn’t looking for a fear-driven decision, or the most fun, or comfortable decision, but the wisest and most pleasing to God.
Here are some verses that guided me:
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
james 1:5-6
This is not always my first instinct, and I’m also inclined to throw up a prayer and then not stop and be still before rushing forward in my own thinking.
This is a time when it’s important to be guided by facts and advice from experts, but we are bombarded with information that’s changing daily (and we have more time to read it too!) God is the ultimate source of all wisdom.
I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life…
deuteronomy 30:19-20
What does “choosing life” look like not just for me, but for my family and community and world?
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Philippians 2:3-4
There is a greater awareness in this season, that our decisions don’t just impact us, but may affect others, more vulnerable than we are.
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Romans 13:1
Romans 13 was pertinent because while we were praying about this, our governor issued a “shelter-in-place” order.
In the end, it still wasn’t totally clear to us. John leaned one way, and I leaned the other. We both truly wanted to adhere to Ephesians 5.
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Ephesians 5:21
There’s an additional element that influenced me that may seem odd since we can’t meet physically. I was motivated by the fact that my people are here in MN.
The community I’m closest to and want to serve in any way I can is here. Even if that just means waving from a distance to a mama and toddler, or participating in a birthday car parade, or leaving a wiped down plant on someone’s doorstep, it’s something.
So, we say, along with Peter, It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us…(Acts 15:28) to stay home. We will not be going to FL.
What are some hard decisions you’ve had to make? How have you been creative during this season?
I have a very good friend, Svetalina, Who is stuck in India. She lost the lottery to get a Visa to stay here so had to go back to India where she was born and raised. She had been here 16 years so considered the US her home. Now, she did get a Visa because her employer was able to get her a Visa. She had planned to come back here in March but then the Corona virus happened. Now, it is a waiting game. She received 2 master degrees in Computer Science while here. Her parents had her married off to another Indian citizen but that only lasted 10 years. I am glad you are staying here. I will remember you both in my prayers. I know that John is restless to fix this. He does have the talent to write a fabulous book which could be a best seller. The Lord be with you in this very frustrating time! My daughter. Kristina, is a Nurse working at St. John’s Hospital in the Covid 19 floor. She and I would appreciate your prayers for her safety and they have 2 sweet daughters, age 2 and 5. She was adopted from El Salvador at 9 months old. Love and praying for you both!
Wow, Brenda! So many people in so many different hard circumstances! I’m praying for Svetalina and Kristina now. Blessings to you!