Which Choice, Lord?

29 October, 2014

The night before Jesus chose His twelve disciples, He did a very important thing: He went off to a mountain alone, got on His knees, and prayed. All. Night. Long.

When I’m honest with myself, the longest I’ve ever prayed may be upwards of a half hour, and that ‘s even pushing it. I love to pray. I need to pray. But, do I pray enough? Nope.

Jesus had His priorities in order. He knew how to use His time wisely, knowing prayer with the creator of the universe, His Father, was much more important than His sleep. How often do we think like that?

When a man and woman are in love, they’ll go to any boundary to be together. As a middle and high schooler, I’d stay up late talking to my boyfriends on the phone, hiding under the covers and staying up late into the night. I saw the precious moments talking to them as more pleasurable and beneficial than sleep. Games of “no, you’re cuter!” was more appealing to me than waking up with a good nights sleep because I was in love, right?

Looking back, I can’t say those relationships were real love. But, I’d like to think my relationship with God is real love. Awesome, glorious, no-strings-attached agape love. Why, then, would I skip sleep over someone I didn’t truly love and not over someone I’m head over heels for?

Jesus had one true love: His Father. And to prove it, He was willing to give up essentials in order to be with Him. His sleep, His will, and ultimately His life.

I’m currently in a time of transition; I recently graduated college in California and have completed a three month missions trip in Central America. I’m now back home in Wisconsin working as a swim coach and fitness instructor, yet I know there has to be more. Should I go to graduate school for writing? Should I get my real estate license? Should I try writing a book? Or take a shot at starting a women’s ministry? Should I just throw in the cards and keep working in fitness? Where do I belong? What do I do?

Jesus was likely thinking similar thoughts the night before His prayer time choosing the apostles. “Should I choose Peter? He’s a bit of a knucklehead, should I really put up with him for three years? He does have a fiery faith which could come in handy. What do you think, Father? Hello, Father? Peter or no Peter?”

Jesus knew who could see the future; He knew who could make the right choice; He knew who He needed to talk to for hours on that lonely mountain. He knew His Father was more than capable to handle the choice, clearing away any fog Jesus may have had regarding the choice.

In the same way, Jesus asks us to spend time with Him. He holds the flashlight to brighten our path; once we pray, Jesus puts in the batteries to light it up. Before making a life decision, talk to God. Watch Him surprise you.