I choose

Dr. Kevin Leman, author of the book Have a New Kid by Friday, advocates the approach of "respond, don't react" when dealing with children.  I was listening to a discussion on the radio this weekend in which the guest mentioned this same concept, except in regards to the workplace.  I'd like to take it a step further and apply it to life situations in general.  


We already know that we're children, the beloved children, of the Lord.  Therefore, we know two things for a fact:  first of all, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified ... for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you" (Deuteronomy 31:6); also, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (James 1:2-4).


So, we WILL face trials, and the Lord will NEVER leave us, even during the toughest times. Just as we (parents) want only the best for our children, so the Lord wants us to become mature and complete, sometimes through the testing of our faith in him.  I always love to remember the "Footprints in the Sand" poem when I'm facing a difficult time because it reminds me that the Lord doesn't desert us, as it may appear, when we're dealing with difficulties; he carries us through these trials.


Since I know trials will come, both seemingly insignificant and apparently impossible to surmount, I CHOOSE to position myself to respond, not react.  Reaction implies a rash judgment and equally immature answer.  Response denotes a levelheaded thought process and carefully delivered answer.  In all things, we have the chance to do either.  If we are to be in control of our thoughts (and therefore actions), as 2 Corinthians 10:5 commands, we must choose to respond to situations that are thrown our way.


"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."