The Choice

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” - Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)

What do you notice about this verse? What jumped out at you?:

The Bible teaches us about the sanctification process, a process in which we inherit as children of God. When we accept the Lord as our Savior, we are set on a path of purification in order to be more aligned with Christ. The sanctification process can be compared to the process of refining gold. When gold is first mined, it contains impurities and must go through intense heat to be purified. If impurities are not removed during the refining process, the gold will remain weak, brittle, and of a lower value. Impurities not removed can compromise the integrity of the gold, making it less useful for crafting, fine jewelry, or currency. 
Similarly, as believers in Christ, in order to continue to grow our faith and strive to be more like Him, we must endure God’s refining work to remove sin and make us more like Christ. If sin and worldly influences are not addressed during the progression of a believer’s sanctification, alignment with Christ is stifled! Faith may still be evident but there will be an inner struggle of spiritual weakness, ineffective witness, and a lack of communion with our Heavenly Father.
Just as refined gold is more valuable and durable, a sanctified believer is more equipped to live a life in pursuit of God’s will. The process isn’t instant. We begin as ‘babies’ in Christ but must continue to mature in Him or risk being hindered. It takes time, pruning, perseverance, and often pain, but the end-result is something pure and far more valuable. With each step forward through the sanctification process, the Lord is our teacher and guide, leading us to that which is right. In Isaiah 30:20, the Bible states, “… your teacher will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see …” (NIV).  We are told that we will see exactly when the Teacher is instructing us, each step of the way. Once the Lord reveals His commands to us, we are then called to obey His instruction. We may try to avert His instruction by turning right or left, however His will, will always prevail in His relentless pursuit of us. Remember the choice is yours! 

Answer & Reflect on the following question:

Take time this week to reflect on the areas of your life where you are struggling with sin. It is time to make a choice! Will you choose the abundant life God already has waiting for you, or will you choose to remain stagnant and stifled by your resistance to the change God is asking of you? 

Speak to the Lord and spend some time in prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for my salvation and for teaching me that salvation is only the beginning of my journey in pursuit of Your will for my life. Thank You for the sanctification process that comes with being Your child. I long to be useful for You. Help me to remember that your guidance, teaching, and commands are because you love me and want me to be strong in You. You desire true, communion with me. Continue to reveal Your instructions over my life. Help me to walk in Your ways. Help me to choose life over death. No matter how challenging the process, help me to desire to become more like You, so I may be best used for the furtherance of Your Kingdom. May You have all the Glory, in Jesus’ name, Amen.