Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. (James 4:14 ESV)
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 NIV)
I have three pairs of sandals I really like. They were given to me by a friend whose feet are the same size as mine and whose taste in shoes mirrors my own. They’re incredibly comfortable, and I genuinely enjoy wearing them.
And I hate them.
I hate them because my friend gave them to me after she had three toes amputated and could no longer wear sandals.
She had developed an infection that worsened over time. A surgeon who was supposed to be cleaning out the infection decided that one toe and part of her foot had to be removed. Even after that, the infection persisted, and another toe was taken. By the time this chapter of her life ended, her foot had changed dramatically, and she no longer wanted to wear shoes that revealed the disfigurement.
I would gladly give the shoes back if it meant her foot could be restored to its pre-infection health.
Sometimes, there’s no turning back. A decision—whether your own or someone else’s—can dramatically alter the course of a life.
The other night, we were watching The Guardian—a 2006 film starring Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher about the U.S. Coast Guard’s rescue swimmer program. Well, actually, the rest of my household watched it; I had to step away. I couldn’t handle the intense scenes—the massive waves and the harrowing moment when a Coast Guard crew goes down in a storm. High-tension movies aren’t my thing.
One of the reasons we chose that film is that one of my sons is seriously considering a career as a rescue swimmer in the Coast Guard. In the movie, Kevin Costner’s character makes several bold choices—some that lead to lives being saved, and others that result in the tragic loss of fellow crew members. My son could one day be someone whose courage and skill help save lives—but who may also face real personal risk.
The truth is, people make life-altering decisions every day. Surgeons in operating rooms. Law enforcement officers. Coast Guard members. Often, those decisions carry life-and-death consequences.
That’s the weight of responsibility we carry in this life: every decision we make has the potential to impact others—for better or for worse.
God of Wisdom,
Lord, today we thank you for generously offering your wisdom and guidance to all who seek you. Help us to turn to you in every decision we face, to trust you at all times, and to pour out our hearts before you. When we are uncertain—whether the choices before us are big or small—remind us not to be afraid, but to remember that you, our Refuge and Strength, are always with us. Uphold us with your righteous right hand, and lead us to make choices that reflect your will and bring about the greatest good. We ask this in Jesus’s name, AMEN.
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. (Proverbs 4:7 NIV)
Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:8 NIV)
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10 NIV)