Life is filled with times of decision. We might call these times the crossroads of life. We are driving along, enjoying the scenery, basking in the beauty of the changing countryside, when all of a sudden we come upon an unexpected crossroad. The decision must be made: which direction will we go to continue our journey? We can continue straight through the intersection, or turn to the left or the right. Each of these would take us to our desired destination, but each would go through different terrains, different views, different levels of comfort and danger. We must make a decision before we can move forward on our journey.

One direction would take us on the quickest route, however, it would be a rather boring drive with little scenery to enjoy. It would be pretty much a straight shot from where we sit at the crossroad and our point of destination. We would get there quickly, but see nothing on the way.

A different direction would be a little more scenic, taking us through several changes of terrain, and providing us with some rather breathtaking views. However, it would still be a smooth, comfortable ride, and would get us to the end of our drive with little chance of mishap or trouble.

And finally, we could choose to take the longest, most difficult trek. It would provide us with the most beauty, the grandest vistas, the most spectacular views with many different geographical shifts. But, it would be by far the most dangerous of the three choices. There are many twists and turns along this route. There are also some points of danger along the way, with the road leading through several passages which have been the site of many wrecks as vehicles have veered off the narrow passages into the deep ravines below.

And now, we find ourselves at this crossroad, and we must choose. Which way will we go? Of course, there are many factors which must be considered as we ponder the choices. Are we looking for a life of relative ease, with little chance of difficulties and distractions along the way? Or are we a little more adventurous, wanting some excitement along life’s journey, but with little chance of danger lurking around the next corner? Or, are we the hyper-adventurous type, looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead, not really knowing what we might encounter along the way?

And then, to add a little more confusion to the matter of making a choice, if you are like me and want to super-analyze every facet of each choice before reaching a final decision, then you ask yourself the question: “Of the three choices, is one the RIGHT choice, or would either of the three be right if I chose it?” Wow! That will make your head hurt, for sure!

If it is true that either of the three would be right, then how do we reach a decision? Again, there are so many factors which would be involved in making a final choice. For instance, personal preference would be a factor. Do I enjoy adventure, or am I more of a comfort-zone fanatic? Also, how will my decision affect others: spouse, children, grandchildren, etc.? Another consideration would be to give thought to the desired result of my decision: will one path give a better chance of fulfilling the desired outcome?

And then, if either of the three choices would be right, does that mean none of the three would be wrong? I admit that all of this sounds rather confusing, but in reality, this is life. We all face crossroads throughout our lives: we face times of decision with several choices before us. We must choose one over against all the other options available, and then we have to live with the decision made.

Thinking back over my life, now 68 years in the making, I can see clearly how big decisions made at many crossroads of my life have brought me to where I am today. I made many choices based upon my own personal preferences. I would weigh out the options, and after much consideration I would choose the path to take.

However, there were other times when the choice was made for me. Allow me to use an experience from the life of the Apostle Paul to illustrate my point. In Acts 16 we read the following account:

“They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia; they had been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. When they came to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. Passing by Mysia they went down to Troas.”

It is clear from these words that Paul and his companions had decided to speak in Asia, but were forbidden to do so through the communication of the Holy Spirit. This was then followed by an attempt by Paul to go to Bithynia, but was not allowed to go there, once again by direct communication of the Holy Spirit.

It would be wonderful if we knew exactly how the Holy Spirit communicated this information with them. However, if we did know, we would probably expect God to communicate with us in exactly the same manner. And, the point seems to be simply that there are times when personal preferences are trumped by a direct mandate from God. On those occasions we are to understand that there is only one correct choice, and that is the one to follow.

But on other occasions, when there are more than one option available to us, and they all seem to be of equal value and importance, and the Holy Spirit does not give explicit instruction to go one way as opposed to the other, then we are free to choose for ourselves. But even then, we are to do so only after much prayer and seeking the mind and heart of God.

I will conclude by repeating the obvious: life is filled with crossroads. Some will be of great magnitude and consequence, whereas others will be of far less significance. But each decision should be made only after giving serious consideration to each option, and seeking the will of God before making a final decision.

And one final word: once the decision is made, don’t spend needless time second guessing the decision. Live with it. Use it to God’s glory. Invest wisely in the use of your time and your decisions. As we are encouraged from the pen of Paul: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it all to the glory of God.”