Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Predicament (03/01/12)
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TITLE: Price for Every Decision | Previous Challenge Entry
By Edmond Ng
03/03/12 -
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- But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; (Philippians 1:23 NAS)
Not too long ago, I was placed in situation where I have to weigh the pros and cons to make a decision. After having been laid off from a job several months back, I was recently hired by another corporation which I had hoped to work for a long time, but sadly that was not to be the case. This new job left me with little time for myself and my family, and the need to spend more hours traveling to and from work than before greatly disrupted the routines of others at home. Without a choice, therefore, I am back to looking out for a new opening amid the struggles managing the finances.
All of us have experienced situations of being caught between a rock and a hard place. During such times of dilemma, whatever the decision we make is likely not going to be the ideal we hope to see, and our choice may affect others as well.
Like us, the apostle Paul was caught in a similar predicament. He said, “I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake” (Philippians 1:23-24). Of course, it was not as if Paul had a right to decide to live on or to depart, except maybe he was able to hasten his appearance before Caesar for execution. Yet, it was clear he knew the consequence of the decision.
Jesus our Lord was faced with a similar situation just hours before He died on the cross. While at the Garden of Gethsemane, He asked of God, "Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42). As the Son of God, Jesus had the choice not to go through the agony and suffering to die for us. Yet our Lord chose to go through the pain to do the will of His Father out of His love for us.
Like Paul and Jesus, we ought also to weigh our cost when making decisions, especially during times when we are hard-pressed from two or more directions. Regardless the course we choose to take, remember, our choice bears consequences and will affect others, just as Christ’s choice brought about life to many or death to all if He had chosen otherwise.
Let us therefore thank God for His mercy and choice, for without Christ’s death on the cross, we would have forever been lost. Do not ever make selfish decisions, for such can disrupt the lives of our loved ones and others. Yes, it is difficult to make choices when caught between a rock and a hard place, and yes, God has granted us the freedom of choice. Nevertheless, we should be wise to make the right choices, and like our Lord, choose to make decisions according to the will of God.
Dear Lord, thank You for choosing to save us despite the pain and suffering You have to go through. We are forever grateful to You, and we desire to be like You in making decisions according to the will of God. Regardless the decision we make O Lord, help us go through the situations that are less than ideal without grumble or complain, and remember those whose lives are affected because of us, to love and cherish them. Direct us in our decision-making Lord, that we may not unwisely cause more hurt to self and others, but to weigh the cost and consequence for the sakes of our loved ones and others.
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There were a few places where time references were confused (using "have" instead of had), using a present tense verb when you are talking about a past tense situation. Also, not sure you needed to isolate te scripture reference in the beginning since you re-state it later in the story. I think it would have been fine to just start with the story itself.
Overall ... nice work!