Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

That week I talked about how the choices that we make are a reflection of what we believe. This week I am going to talk about choices again but this time instead of looking back I want to talk about the choices we make right now.

Just like the choices we've made in the past reveal what we believe, the choices we are making now reveal what we want. In the face of every obstacle, challenge, blessing, disappointment, and trial we choose to either: grow; stay the same; or do what's easiest. I know that sometimes doing what is easy is the same thing is the same thing as choosing to grow but more often than not this is not the case.

Let me explain a little more by giving an example. When we face a trial, no matter how big or small, we have choices. We can: praise God, confront it, and learn from it; confront it to get it over with; or run away from what's happening.

I may be young, but I have done and gone through a few circumstances that really challenged me and my faith. I know by now that it is way better to choose to learn from the circumstances that challenge me than to blame, become angry, or run away. Hard things are going to happen to you, and if you are a follower of Christ even more so.

Matthew 10:22 All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

Mark 13:12-13 Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

Luke 21:17-19 All men will hate you because of me. But not a hair on your head will perish. By standing firm you will gain life.

John 15:18-21 If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me.

But here is the good news...

John 14:18-21 But I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.

Romans 8:28 And we know that in ALL THINGS God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

God does a lot of things that I don't understand, but it's okay because I know that in all things He is working for my good. I can rest assured that I will not be left an orphan but that He is with me. So when hard things come before me I praise God because He is so good, and so worthy of everything that we have.

James 1:2-5 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking in anything.

Even in the darkest of storms, we are sheltered under the wings of our mighty Lord and Savior. So, when challenges are set before you be encouraged. Know that God hasn't left you alone and make the decision to learn from what's before you.