In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God.
And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles: (‭Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭12-13‬ ESV)

Yesterday I had a conversation with my daughter, helping her make some decisions regarding which upcoming classes to take at college. Her short-term decisions can set her up for long-term success.

Last night my wife and I attended my son’s “Meet-the-Teacher” night at his high school. His teachers all spoke well of him and his progress – a sign that he has made some good choices over the last several weeks, since school began.

Each of us faces choices. There are times when I have made poor choices, which have cost me. There are also times when I have made good choices, and enjoyed the benefits of wisdom.

My decisions determine my destiny.

Before making the decision as to who would be His closest partners in ministry, Jesus took time for sincere, sustained prayer. He took some time to be alone with God, and sought for God’s wisdom for this important decision.

Too often I have made decisions without consulting God. It’s not that I purposefully excluded God; it’s just that I got caught up leaning on my own understanding.

Joshua once made a covenant with a group of men who had come to him for help. Had Joshua known that they were deceiving him, he would not have made that decision. He failed to inquire of God, and it cost him.

On the other hand, David, on one occasion, asked The Lord: “Should I pursue this enemy?” The Lord responded by giving David a clear strategy, which resulted in a great victory for the kingdom.

What decisions are you facing today? Whether small or great, today’s decisions determine tomorrow’s destination.

It would be well worth your time to pause and seek the wisdom of The Lord. Ask Him to show you what to do. He promised to give you wisdom in abundance, when you seek Him.

It’s also worth noting that, after Jesus spent time in prayer, he still chose Judas to be part of his team. Our good choices don’t preclude others from making poor choices. Each one of us is free to follow after The Lord…or not.

Father,
As I face various opportunities this week, I pray that I would hear Your wisdom. Speak to me, so that my choices can set me up for success.

In Jesus’ name, amen.