Sunday, March 2, 2014

Lesson in Discernment

        

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy— think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the peace of God will be with you. (Philippians 4:8, 9)

There have been instances in life when the feeling of having been thrown to the wolves overcame me. Truly knowing the feeling of God’s peace and presence at those times may have given me a different perspective of things.

In the not too distant past, I was faced with having to make an untimely, life altering decision. Whether or not to walk away from a situation was in question as to yet again turn the other cheek was not an option. When situations become so untenable that understanding and resolution are not part of the equation the question becomes how do I respond?

In such situations, instinctively, we may find ourselves in fight or flight mode when a choice must be made before a situation spins out of control and our overall well being is at risk.

In reading this scripture I am reminded of the importance of having charge over my own perception and response, important things to consider and the outcome in doing so.

My choice was to walk away. In the very moment of that decision I felt God’s peace. In the months that followed, and in my uneasiness of what the future had in store, I gained deeper insight into some of God’s most precious gifts … His peace, love and faithfulness.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gifts of discernment, courage, faith and Your peace in life’s troublesome times. In Jesus’ name.



© 2014 Atalie Shackelford

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