Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

~Psalm 119:105 NLT

In the fall of 1980, I lived in Bangor, Maine, attended Faith School of Theology, and worked on my ministry degree. 

 

Choices

The college was affordable and located in a rural area. I also had privy to their vegetable garden, livestock, and firewood supply, which helped supplement student tuition. 

I grew up outside Washington, DC, in the suburbs, and even though I did not grow up in the city, I did have the benefits of city life. Consequentially, I experienced culture shock when I attended the large seminary. I felt it was more than I could handle and quickly determined to pack my bags and return home. 

The night before I planned to leave, I attended the evening church service. During the prayer time, a student whom I did not know told me the Lord had a message for me. I was to stay and not give up on my education. All night, I thought about his advice, but I had already made my choice. So when the first rays of sun filtered through my dorm window, I started toward Virginia, where my family lived at the time. 

Destiny

I wish I could say I made the right choice, but the months ahead told a different story. I lost the joy in my life, and guilt knocked on the door of my subconscious. My decision to leave school burdened my soul, and my walk with the Lord felt anchored to this guilt and regret.

Years passed, and I continued to drag those heavy chains of guilt around me with every breath I took.  Sometimes, I felt despair.

Our choices either lead or divert us from God’s plan, so we need to weigh them carefully.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

~Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

The choice I made diverted me from God’s plan. But by God’s grace, mercy, and direction, I reversed the unwise choice and later pursued seminary. I felt like Jonah, who also resisted God’s direction for his life. Although I was not physically in the big fish’s belly, I was spiritually. I returned to school and received a degree in Biblical studies in 2009 and was then ordained. 

Listen to Me, you who follow after righteousness, you who seek the LORD … For the LORD will comfort Zion, He will comfort all her waste places; He will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness will be found in it, thanksgiving and the voice of melody.

~Isaiah 51:1, 3 NKJV

Choices and destiny do go together. But most of the choices we regret can be reversed. We don’t have to define our destiny by them. Even if we cannot change the situation, we can receive the Lord’s forgiveness. When I surrendered to God’s will, He was eager to help me turn my educational situation around, and this changed my destiny. What’s more, He forgave me the moment I called to Him.

God will do the same for everyone when we surrender to Him and let Him guide us. Nothing is impossible with the God who loves us. Please know He forgives you just as He forgave me. He is willing to guide you every step of the way.

Share how God helped you regarding a life choice.

Heavenly Father, Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Restore joy to my life as You have promised. Accept my offering of praise and help me to follow Your direction. In Jesus’ name, amen.

 

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2020: Choices and Destiny: Ed Chappelle: All Rights Reserved