Article July 8, 2013 ISSUE

Decisions, decisions

E. Garrett Stone

Every day we’re presented with situations that require us to choose the correct course of action. Early on, young children decide which toys or foods they like most. Later, in their teen years, decisions about clothes, music, and friendships become vital for them. Then perhaps it’s on to college or the workplace, where career-molding choices have to be made. How reassuring, then, to realize that through wholehearted reliance on God, divine Mind, each of us can be guided to make correct decisions—and at just the right time.

In the Bible, the great prophet Isaiah, a man of wisdom and literary genius, offers these profound words: “Thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left” (Isaiah 30:21 ). What wonderful reassurance! Through steadfast reliance on our Father-Mother God to lead the way, we can face every decision-demanding situation with unbounded confidence.

I was faced with a crucial decision at the time of the Korean War. The Army infantry unit that I was in during basic training was involved in a simulated combat maneuver, where live ammunition was to be directed toward pop-up targets.

My platoon squad, armed with rifles, entered shallow trenches and began firing our weapons aimed at the distant targets. At one point, I felt I needed to change my position and move forward to another trench. However, at that instant a second thought came very clearly: “Don’t move! Stay where you are.” This proved to be a timely, God-sent message of protection.

The exercise ended several minutes later, and I then learned another soldier had been directly behind me in another trench. Had I moved upward to change my position, I would have been in front of this soldier’s rifle fire. The decision not to change my position was exactly the correct one.

We will find the path ahead illuminated by "trail signs" directing us onward.

This experience and my ongoing prayers demonstrate to me that whenever we’re confronted by suggestions of uncertainty, fear, or even financial distress, we have an opportunity to reverse the false notion that our God-established peace of mind can be threatened or compromised in any way. Mary Baker Eddy, the discoverer of Christian Science, wrote in Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896: “God is the fountain of light, and He illumines one’s way when one is obedient. … Be sure that God directs your way; then, hasten to follow under every circumstance” (p. 117 ). As we earnestly listen for directions coming from the one Mind, God, we will find the path ahead illuminated by “trail signs” directing us onward.

As we are consistently receptive to God’s direction, we’ll find our lives are blessed in so many ways. Important decisions can be made with the utmost confidence and joy. This verse from a poem by Mrs. Eddy beautifully illustrates how God guides us each moment:

Shepherd, show me how to go
   O’er the hillside steep,
How to gather, how to sow,—
   How to feed Thy sheep;
I will listen for Thy voice,
   Lest my footsteps stray;
I will follow and rejoice
   All the rugged way.
          (Poems, p. 14 )

About the author

Garrett Stone lives in Peoria, Illinois.

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