Choose This Day... Every Day.

Pastor preached a great message as we get ever closer to Easter... on the topic of choices. He delivered quite a powerful message, as he spoke from the perspective of Christ on trial and the question of "what will we do with Christ", which is what the government leaders asked at the time, knowing Christ had done nothing wrong.

Certainly, this question dominates our lives in light of eternity; technically it does so twice. Once from the perspective of our sinful state and for those who confess Christ as Lord, from our redeemed state.

For all the choices that come secondary to that question, some still able to affect eternity and many others that won't, choices can be difficult to make... and even more difficult to live with, once they've been made.

My list is getting quite long.
Things I wish I hadn't done.
More things I wish I had done differently.

What's difficult, is that such realizations and reminders often come on the heels of a situation or circumstance that is fresh in your mind and weighs on your heart; that you wish you could do over or have a second chance to reconsider.

This is especially true as we were reminded of the lesson Ronald Reagan learned as a child... not making a choice is making a choice; and eventually someone will make it for you.

How much more difficult for leadership... if the choices we make for ourselves are taxing; the choices we make as parents and adults, confusing; the choices we make as children and employees, just plain wrong, the struggle for leadership and the impact it makes on the lives of those who follow is incredible.

Then there are pastors... where souls are at stake and eternity hangs in the balance. Where people's faith is strengthened and encouraged or weakened and discouraged. Where communities are impacted with the Gospel of Christ and transformed or hardened as a result. Pressure abounds as do expectations. The stakes are high and so is the level of regret... and the rate of burnout as a result.

On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray for pastors struggling in the choices and decisions they face, even this very day. In their homes, marriages and ministries, may God grant them wisdom and strength in the face of confusion and complexities. Pray a grace over their missteps and mistakes; may regrets not overtake their hearts and minds, but the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. May God lead and guide them, as they daily lay their lives at the Cross of Christ; surrender to Him and desirous to do His will. Pray a renewed faith and trust in God's ability and promise to use ALL things, for His glory according to His purpose... for He knows the plans He has for us, having accounted for our broken and sinful condition.

Strength in the face of regret
Confidence in the face of mistakes.
Hope in the future, despite our past.
That we choose Christ first.
Seeking the face of God and His righteousness
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

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