The Second-Guess Club

How amazing is it, that the mind can work through a matter and discuss with itself, at great lengths, what the best course of action is? Of course, depending on the circumstance, the mind takes on all sorts of factors and variables and outlines three, five and nine moves ahead. (someone please tell me, I'm not the only one who struggles with this)

This wouldn't be so problematic for the decision making process, except for the fact, that in a matter of moments, you can end up with two very different routes. Ultimately, you may end up at the same result, but the difference in the process is time and energy, cost and risk. It's good if you are decisive, committed and determined to not give a second thought after the fact, constantly wondering if you have chosen poorly... like choosing the Holy Grail without suffering the immediate effects of getting it wrong.

Otherwise, welcome to the second-guess club. (I'm having jackets made!)

Somehow, the idea of Associate Pastor conjures up images of middle-management. You're a decision maker of some note and worth, with your own plethora of people either reporting to you or coming to you, needing input and advice, direction and authorization. There's a handful of things in which you don't have "final say", but there's an overwhelming amount of circumstances in which you are allowed to speak and do so with knowledge and credibility.

Having said that though, it too leaves you in a vulnerable state. What if you do get it wrong. What if you miss an aspect. What if, while the long-term solution was good, you totally fumble the way you should have gone about it. There's plenty of advice that understands and justifies both paths. One might create a big mess now, but at least you know what you're dealing with. The other, may create a bigger mess later and who knows what you'll have on your hands.

This is a frustrating position to be in. Especially when you are the decision-maker, at least to some degree.

So, would you join me again, on this #associatePastorTuesday. Pray that God would help those struggling with the decisions they face. May God give them wisdom, regarding both the short-term outlook and the long-term prospect. Pray they would be surrounded by good advice. Pray that God would help them to make decisions without fear or worry. While there will always be risk and factors beyond their control, pray that it would not be a point that would cause unhealthy anxiety and stress, both within themselves as well as in the relationships of those affected by the decision. Pray that they would walk confidently in Christ; not held down by regret nor held back by mistakes, both of the past and the recent. May God help them move forward, one day at a time, one decision at a time.

For He has not given us a spirit of fear,
But of peace and a sound mind.
For His glory and by His grace.

- PNC