Artwork source: Diamond Consultants
Who makes your decisions? In Genesis 13, we’re told that Abram (whose spiritual legacy is immeasurable) and his nephew Lot had done exceedingly well as shepherds. So much so, that they needed to divide their flocks and lands. Abram allowed Lot to go first.
Lot chose the land that looked the best. And that choice made him prosperous and influential — for a time. But in the end, it resulted in devastating loss and destruction.
But Abram trusted God to make the choice for him, and then gratefully built an altar to Him. Result?
“And the Lord said to Abram after Lot had parted from him, ‘Look around from where you are, to the north and south, to the east and west. All of the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever. I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could be counted.’” ~Genesis 13:14-16
Who chooses for you? Do you? Or does the One for whom “a thousand years is like a day” (2 Peter 3:8)? The One who “makes known the end from the beginning” (Isaiah 46:10)? The One who knows and loves you…
Better than you do yourself?
~AΩ~
I have been thinking a lot about this theme lately. I believe that if we surrender our lives to God, he will even use curveballs to help guide us. Ultimately if He is in charge, nothing goes to waste.
I completely agree, Mez.
It is so hard to give up our illusion of control. But when we do, and let God take the reins and guide us, life goes so much better! It’s truly scary when the stakes are high, but every time I have surrendered a problem to God, He has solved it in a way I never could have. I keep praying daily for deeper faith and greater courage to trust Him with everything in my life.
🧡
Since the Creator is Forever and Eternal, even terrible decisions are ultimately turned to the good. Of course, there are better and worse decisions, but all things are eventually redeemed. Again.
https://godcomesby.com/2026/08/09/smoke/
Amen, Rita.
I wish I could say God guides my every step and makes all my decisions. The truth is, I still fight Him for the steering wheel.My own will flares up and wants to run the show.I always know after-the-fact when I take the wrong turn because the road gets rough.When will I learn?His way was always the best way.
Amen! Well said.
How very human of you, Debby. ;>)
Quem toma minhas decisões? Ora bolas, é claro que é a minha mulher!!!
😆😆😆
;>)
Gott lässt sich mit seinen Entscheidungen leider immer sehr viel Zeit, sodass ich oft schneller bin als Gott, leider nicht immer zu meinem Besten.
Ich verstehe genau, was du meinst, Tula.
🥰😀
I consider myself a practicing Christian. I go to church. I’m involved. I study the Bible. I pray. I listen and wait. So far all my prayers have received No for an answer. My marriage wasn’t saved. I couldn’t find a job so I had to move. Now it’s so I have enough to retire? Should I retire and if so when? Do I stay here where I have no family or friends? I’ve prayed for friends and the answer for the last ten years has been no. If I move where do I go? Can’t afford to live near my children. I do my best to be patient and wait for an answer but waiting is so hard.
Waiting is hard, Dede. 🧡 And when God acts, he often does so in and through us (Philippians 4:13). I’m praying for friendships and guidance for you, my friend.
God’s will, not mine, be done. Amen.
Such a convicting post. Thank you for inspiring me in my walk with God.
My privilege, Kelli.
I love this. It’s so encouraging that believers still have courage to stand up for our convictions.
🧡
He let his nephew choose and Abram was rewarded with the best…of course!
👍
Nicely done.
Thank you, Gerry.
❤️
Well said.
Thank you, Andrew.
You’re welcome, Mitch.
It’s often so hard to determine whether I am “putting my words into God’s mouth” to justify doing what I want.
Indeed, I think that’s something we all wrestle with, Maren.
Dear Mitch, What a profound and thought-provoking reflection on trust and surrender. The story of Abram and Lot powerfully illustrates the difference between chasing immediate, visible gain and leaning into a deeper, spiritual orientation. In the Szigetingy Philosophy, we speak of stepping back from our urge to control everything and trusting the larger flow of existence. When we let go of the illusion that our limited mind must calculate every outcome, we step into a quiet presence where true guidance is heard. Trusting the One who sees beyond time is not passive submission, but the highest form of alignment. Thank you for sharing this timeless reminder to build our altars of gratitude before the outcome is even visible! Warm regards, Gyorgy Nemeth (szigetingy)
Thank you, Gyorgy. And thank you for your thoughtful reflections on the subject.
Dear Mitch, You are very welcome! Always a pleasure to reflect on your inspiring and timeless writing. Warm regards, Gyorgy Nemeth (szigetingy)
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I am forever leaning on His guidance.
A powerful question, because so many of our decisions are shaped by what appears best in the moment.
Lot looked at the land and saw opportunity. Abram looked to God and waited. On the surface, Lot’s choice appeared wiser, but appearance is a poor substitute for perspective. We can see what is in front of us; God sees where the road ends.
There is also something significant in Abram building an altar. Before he possessed the promise, he worshipped the One who had given it. His confidence was not in the land itself, but in God.
Perhaps this is one of the hardest lessons of faith. Trusting God does not mean abandoning thought, wisdom or responsibility. It means recognising that our judgement is limited, while His is not.
The question therefore reaches deeper than, “What do I want?” It becomes, “Am I willing for God to redirect what I want?”
Sometimes the greatest act of faith is not choosing the most attractive road, but trusting God enough to walk the road He places before us.
Amen, and well said, my friend. (May I ask your name?)
Rob. And thanks for the comment
God’s best doesn’t always look that way to us. But we’d be foolish not to trust Someone who is all-wise, sees into the future, and loves us with an everlasting love. (Remind me of that when doubts creep in!)
We can swap reminders, Nancy! 🧡
I love it
Thanks, Mitch. In my Sunday school class, we’re about to start studying Genesis. These two choices–and their ramifications–are something I want to bring out.
Glad it’s of use to you, brother.