Choices..  When we were young making choices was usually based on a more single focus of what I wanted to do.  As I aged, my choices increasingly became based on what others need.  For most of us, there's a level of regret as we got older around our past choices.  Regret can be a powerful emotion that will consume us if we let it.

    Our choices, whether we like it or not, determine our future and the future of all those around us.  This can be debilitating for some who fear making any choices after getting burned one too many times.  The great thing about youth is the 'not knowing' what life has to bring that gives us courage (and sometimes stupidity) to make drastic, life-changing choices.   Like the time I decided to go to college in Tulsa from Michigan with little to no money in my pocket.  Today, no way.  Then, yeah, that's an awesome idea!   Yet, it worked out.   

     The photo below causes me to go straight to past decisions I've made to step out 'in faith'  (some good and some bad) .  Sometimes doors opened and sometimes doors didn't open.  The open gate is the decision while the open field  reminds me of life after.  I especially like the tall tree in the background.  I see that tree as who I want to be today; grown up and stronger for those choices.  Whether good or bad, they made me who I am, and with God's help, I am working to let go of the past while yet learning from it.  One thing I do know is that through all of those decisions, He has been faithful and always with me.

   The Bible talks about faith being the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen (Heb 11:1).  It's tough to apply this scripture to life today with all of the doubt, fear, and sheer cynicism in our culture.  We think the verse pertains to choices being something big like moving to Africa to be a missionary or selling everything and feeding the poor (not that either of those would be bad..).   Could it be that this verse really pertains more to our relationship with God and trusting Him with our life as a whole?  Perhaps even trusting Him with the littlest of things?  I tend to believe that's the case now more than anything when, even the smallest of decisions, can make such a big difference.  Learning to let go of the past failures and trusting is a big step though and one that takes time with His help.  

    I'm reminded of one of my favorite movies "What About Bob" where Bob was told to take 'baby steps' for every little decision.  I loved that scene because it truly reminded me of me!..  Baby steps Brad...  Yes, take it slow and trust even though you've been hurt in the past and failed too.  Baby steps with God's help.   It's a good start for today and tomorrow.  

    How about you?   Is trusting God difficult for you today?  Has life made even the smallest decisions difficult to make?  I want to encourage you to step out together with me and make some 'baby steps' together; whatever that means to you.  Because that's where our strength is; walking together with God's help.  I guarantee you one thing...  He will never let you down.. ever!.. :)

Blessings my friends!

Brad