Now What?

by

Pastor B.J. Knefley

How many times have we wondered when the other shoe will drop? Life rarely unfolds as expected. In fact, the popular saying is, “Life happens while we’re making other plans.” Sometimes, we realize that life is either happening to us or for us. How we view it often influences how we interpret life’s events. Sadly, our interpretation of life impacts every part of our lives and those around us.

Some see life through a half-empty glass, while others see it through a full glass. Interestingly, we all tend to fall into one of these two perspectives. Where someone stands in this area is primarily shaped by their core beliefs. Personally, I believe that each person is created with a purpose. In other words, there is a greater design for life beyond my own thoughts and will.

What might seem like random acts or events are part of a larger plan that I cannot see. People might wonder if there is a plan for their life, so how does free will fit into it? Do I have choices in my life, or is everything already predetermined? When Joshua said, “Choose this day whom you will serve, but as for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15), he was emphasizing that it is always about choice. Even Jesus, as he faced the cross, stated that if it was within the Father’s will to let the cross of suffering pass, nevertheless let His will be done.

We tend to blame God for many things. We often overlook the impact of our own actions and choices on our lives and those of others. Personal responsibility is often overlooked as we seek excuses to blame others or society for our problems. That shoe that’s about to drop is probably the result of something we caused days or even months ago. And we wonder why?Ultimately, life always boils down to choices—mine and others’. We may not always notice or realize it, but the option is always available. That’s why it’s so crucial to take responsibility for what belongs to you. Ultimately, we are each responsible for our own choices, not those of others. Think about it.