Real Talkናሙና

DAY 1: Who We Are Impacts What We Decide

At the end of my senior year of high school, I was trying to decide where to go to school and devote the next four years of my life. I was processing what I wanted my school friends to be like, my church friends, and also my own pride to go to a “fancy esteemed” college. I was surrounded by wise counsel who encouraged me that there wasn’t a wrong or right answer. God can be glorified through me in university in Texas, Colorado, or Missouri. He was present and already knew where I would be, but gave me ownership to make that decision! Upon personal family circumstances, I came to the conclusion that A&M would be most aligned with my personal desires and values.

One of the first steps we can take in moving toward a decision is to identify who we are in relation to Whose we are. We are all created in the Image of God (Genesis 1:26-27) made for good works created in Christ Jesus to walk in them (Ephesians 2:10). It is so important to have self-awareness to recognize your values, identity, and uniqueness. As you face decisions of every type of magnitude, take some time today to sit with the Lord. Let His Word remind you of Whose you are as you dig deep into the innermost parts of yourself, learning what makes you unique.

"For you formed my inward parts;

you knitted me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Wonderful are your works;

My soul knows it very well."

• Psalm 139: 13-14

As you sit in this Truth, give yourself the space to ask yourself these questions:

1. What are the ways the Lord has uniquely gifted me?
2. With this decision I’m making, what is affirming or hurting my identity?
3. What are the things I value most? Is my decision in line with these things?
4. Write these things down and surrender them to the Lord to experience freedom and confidence in who the Lord has made you to be.

Pray: Lord, You are a Sweet and Loving Father who cares for His children. You have made me uniquely and for a purpose. I pray that in the emotions of making a decision: fear, anxiety, paralysis, hopelessness, that You would meet me in those spaces. Remind me of the things that bring me joy, and the things that drain me. I pray that You would give me the space today to experience Your freedom as I near a decision. Draw me closer to You in this, so I may depend on You more than ever before. In Your Name I pray, Amen.