What To Do When You Don’t Know What To Do

What To Do When You Don’t Know What To Do
“The purposes of the Almighty are perfect, and must prevail, though we erring mortals may fail to accurately perceive them in advance. Meanwhile we must work earnestly in the best light He gives us.” -Abraham Lincoln

 I have just finished reading Jon Meacham’s biography of Abraham Lincoln, entitled, “And There Was Light.” Meacham’s biography chronicles Lincoln’s life – focusing on his time in office during the Civil War. As you can imagine, Lincoln was often faced with seemingly impossible decisions. His choices would affect the lives of untold millions and chart the course for the future of an entire nation. Lincoln often did not know which choice to make – but he had to make a choice all the same.

How did Lincoln make a decision in those difficult moments? He “worked earnestly in the best light” God gave him. In other words, he took in all the information he could, considered what he knew of the will of God, and chose.

When we face difficult decisions in our own lives, what should we do? How should we decide? I think Lincoln’s process is one we ought to emulate. God’s will is often hard for us to discern. Romans 11:33-33 puts it this way: “Oh the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” Nonetheless, God provides enough “light” for us to “work earnestly” today. Ask yourself what you know – about the situation and about God – and act.

Lincoln’s process of decision-making saved a nation. May God bless our own decision-making as we seek to discern his will and act in accordance with his ways.

Your Pastor and Friend,
John Knox Foster