“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Matthew 14:28-30
Have you ever been around someone who agrees with everything you say? They wait for your opinion before giving an answer that will complement your thinking. They might even give their thoughts, but as soon as you question it, they change their mind. You really don’t know what that person is thinking because they’re afraid to have opinions and make decisions. It’s so frustrating!
Homeschooling was not an easy decision for me. Frankly, it was something that I never thought I’d do. God knows me so well and knew to introduce the possibility over a period of time. It wasn’t a decision I took lightly, but I felt that’s where I was being lead. At the time, I didn’t know too many people who homeschooled their children. I was afraid. I wanted to set my boys up for success not failure! After much prayer and some signs from God, I knew what He wanted. Yes, signs. I asked Him to please let me know that I was hearing correctly from Him. He was patient and obliged, so how could I go against that? My hubby felt the same way and the decision was made. I was able to show decisiveness in homeschooling.
The character trait for today is Decisiveness-the ability to recognize key factors and finalize difficult decisions (definition from characterfirst.com).
I like to get the facts, weigh my options, make a decision, and stick to it. However, the sticking to it part is my weakness. When the certainty has worn off and the doubts creep in, I struggle. The questions over homeschooling started and continue today:
- Did I make the right decision?
- Did I hear from God correctly?
- Is this season over in our lives?
- Is this best for my children?
- Do I have the ability to do this?
- Can I provide them what they need?
- Do they hear me anymore?
- Why is it so hard if it’s what we’re supposed to be doing?
- Why isn’t it as exciting anymore?
- Are they getting what they need socially?
Let’s be honest. Our fears are our downfall. It’s us turning from God’s path and heading down the devil’s path. This is when we need to show our faith in God and prove He has provided us with courage. Meaning we move forward even when we’re afraid. A great quote that I found says:
Doubt sees the obstacles, Faith sees the way;
Doubt sees the blackest night, Faith sees the day;
Doubt dreads to take a step, Faith soars on high;
Doubt questions, “Who believes?” Faith answers, “I!”
We need to start being decisive in all situations, even after the choice is made and doubt creeps in. We tend to focus on the wrong things. We need to focus on God, not our weaknesses or the devil’s lies. We need to remember that “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 If we were to look at what all we can’t do, we’d be frozen in fear. However, God is inside of us. We have strength through Him! Keep the devil out and don’t let him in. Don’t try to battle the evil one. Let God do it!
I found this written down just when I needed it. I’m sorry to say I don’t know where I got it from, but it sure is a help to me. I hope it is to you too:
- Look for the good in any situation.
- Remember that you can change your mind and your attitude.
- Ask God for help.
- Look for something better to come along.
- Know that God wants what is best for you.
- Know that God cares when you’re disappointed.
- Look for ways to solve a problem rather than add to it.
- Let people you love help you.
- Choose to make the best of things.
Henry Ford said, “Think you can, think you can’t; either way, you’ll be right.” Peter boldly stepped out as Jesus told him, but the doubt after the decision is what caused him to sink. Don’t sink, but think you can, and you’ll be right!
