Christian Writers Circle

The Choosing
by Kathleen Shore

“This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.”
Isaiah 30:15 NIV

What is this resistance? When God gives us the way unto Life and we will not turn from our own way and trust Him.

There is within each of us a daily, even moment by moment, ‘choosing’ taking place.  We may not even realize this is going on inside of us; even more so, how critical it is. This ‘choosing’, however, was fashioned into our very design when God made us – body, soul, and spirit.

God gives us clear defining lines through Galatians 5:16-17 NIV “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.” We may see the war raging all around us in our circumstances and our need to stay in step with Holy Spirit, but it is the war going on inside of us that is the real critical factor.

Again God gives skillful wisdom in Hebrews 4:12-13 NIV “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

Why would God do this? Why design us with this war going on inside? Even from the very beginning, God placed a tree in the Garden of Eden (the perfect place) and said, “Do not eat of it…” Here, was the first earthly moment God expressed His desire for us to choose Him instead of our own wants.

This brings Father God the greatest pleasure when we choose Him and His way, over our own mind, will, and emotions (our soul). In doing so, we crown Him King of our lives, and our love relationship grows. Greater still, with every ‘choosing’ we are being transformed! As we choose Him, we die to our flesh, and are made alive into His image with ever increasing glory!

In complete trust and love of Him would you open your heart for Him to search you and know you…to show you if there be any wicked way of resisting Him. Would you lay ‘self’ down and simply ask, “Father, would you show me where I have given my trust to another?

Ask yourself:
– In what or whom do I put my trust?
(My spouse, my titles, earthly gain, or earthly systems of justice)
– Do I find a sense of security in my own will being accomplished?
(Maybe with my children, my siblings, or coworkers)
– Do I find comfort in old habits, addictions…maybe even religious activities that make me feel better about what is going on in my life?

“Now this I know: The Lord gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.” Psalm 20:6-8 NIV