The Choice is Yours

Am I the only one who occasionally finds it easier to press that little "snooze" button on the top of my alarm clock in the morning instead of getting up early and starting the day in God's word?  It is always easier to press the button with one finger instead of facing the chore of pulling my entire body out of the bed even though I know I should start my day with a brisk walk and prayer.  Have you ever wondered WHO created the word for that little electronic device we all need yet many of us despise??  The word ALARM seems very appropriate when my little clock begins it's piercing buzz designed to either knock me out of the bed or at the very least cause my heart to skip a beat!  Who wants to be ALARMED first thing in the morning?  Of course now there are newer, gentler devices that slowly stir you out of a restful sleep, but either way each of us has a choice to make at the start of each day.  That ONE choice can impact our entire day for better or for worse. 


Isn't that the case with ALL aspects of our life??  You see, like it or not, we are ALL where we are today for the most part because of the choices we have made along the way.  Now, before you block my blog from your computer or post a not so pleasant comment, give this some thought.  I realize that God allows things to happen in our lives to grow our faith, to build character and to remind us that we need Him always.  Many of the unpleasant experiences in our lives would have happened regardless of our choices.  However, when we consider our marital status, our financial situation, our relationships including our relationship with Jesus, our choices along the way, both good and not so good, have contributed to where we are today.  Now, that can be rather depressing for some of us, but the good news is.....our past decisions do not have to determine our future success.  So often I hear my friends say that they are tired of their circumstances whatever that may be; marital problems, finances, trouble with children, too much weight and too little energy or a job they loathe.  You see I have found that it is easier to make excuses, than it is to make changes. 


We want a deeper relationship with our spouse (or our Lord,) but we are not always willing to invest in the relationship.  We want to lose 10 more pounds, but we do not want to invest the time to excercise or we are not willing to sacrifice that chocolate treat before bedtime.  We are "comfortable" pressing the snooze button every morning, and then we make excuses throughout the day.  What would happen if for one week, we CHOSE not to make excuses?  We would have stronger, deeper relationships, we would have more energy if we are taking the time to exercise, we would be better prepared to handle whatever stress might come our way if we are spending time in God's word, and maybe we could even stop riding the roller coaster of guilt every day with whatever your weakness or battle might be.

Are you up for the challenge?  For JUST one week, don't press that snooze button, and get up maybe even 15-30 minutes earlier to spend some quiet time in the Bible, a devotion or maybe start that excercise program you have been wanting to begin.  You can do anything for JUST one week!  Maybe you can even walk while you are listening to praise and worship music...my favorite!  :)

God has an amazing plan for your life...won't you let Him show you? 

Jeremiah 29:11 
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

For JUST one week, don't hit the snooze button.  Get up and face the day excited to see what God has in store for you, and He will reveal it to you when spend quality time with Him.