Pick One

"When you come to a fork in the road, take it." Yogi Berra

Yogi was famous for saying things that didn't always seem to connect. At first glance, this saying appears to be another slightly confusing bit of wisdom that doesn't add up. If you look at it a little more closely, however, it is better advice than it might appear at first.

On our life's journey we will inevitably come to a point where we are presented with different options. It may be related to our health, career, relationships, spirituality, or even our finances. When confronted with those new directions, we will need to decide which one we think is best and then move down that path. If we don't take action, we'll stop moving forward and become paralyzed by our indecision.

It's okay to pause and figure out our next best step, but at some point we've got to take a step if we want to keep going.

Pick One

Have you ever experienced something that inspired you to change? It might have been a men's group discussion that motivated you, a sermon that pushed you to think deeply, a book that challenges personal habits, or a movie that inspires your thoughts. These are positive influences that can create something new in our lives if we decide to follow through. Unfortunately, my personal experience has been that the excitement of the immediate moment doesn't always carry over into lasting change. Perhaps the lack of transformation can be linked to attempting to do too much at once.

To find more immediate (and permanent) success it might be better to ask this question: What is the one thing-just one-that I can choose to do because of this experience? Do that one thing and measure your progress before adding another level. The step-by-step pace of change might bring more consistent fulfillment and encourage us to stick with the process.

On Deck

God, show me the next right thing to do.

This is a simple, yet powerful statement that I have been meditating on this week. There is an abundance of spiritual depth in this request and I believe it could transform our relationship with Christ if we ask it. What does asking this question of God reveal?

• My recognition of God as King, Divine Planner, and Sovereign King
• My willingness to trust God and my desire to please Him
• My eyes are open to see God's plan--show me in ways I can understand
• God has set my feet on a path & I don't want to wander off of it
• I trust in His direction for myself more than I trust my own
• I am eager to be obedient to God's leading, but I am unsure of what to do
• I recognize that this a journey & I need God's help each step of the way
• I have glimpses of where He is sending me, but I know I can't get further down the road without the next step
• This next right step isn't limited to ministry & career, but is essential in each part of my life if it is dedicated to Christ
• I recognize the importance of what is happening right now, but want to be prayerfully focused on the immediate next step
• This isn't just a pious question--it's a precursor to action.