People can be indecisive
depending on any given circumstance. Oftentimes, it can be confusing as to what
they really want in the first place. In any case, one must always be ready for
any eventualities of unexpected occurrences. Just like this story I came
across, choices are made depending on the context presented at the moment: “ A young psychology student serving in the
Army decided to test a theory. Drawing kitchen duty, he was given the job of
passing out apricots at the end of the chow line. He asked the first few
soldiers that came by, "You don't want any apricots, do you?" Ninety
percent said "No." Then he tried the positive approach: "You do
want apricots, don't you?" About half answered, "Uh, yeah. I'll take
some." Then he tried a third test, based on the fundamental either/or
selling technique. This time he asked, "One dish of apricots or two?"
And in spite of the fact that soldiers don't like Army apricots, 40 percent
took two dishes and 50 percent took one!”[1]
While apricots were obviously
part of the menu, the questions conveyed was unexpected that yielded different
replies. However, this simple test proved that people could be persuaded
without much thought. It is sad yet proven true! How can we avoid such unpleasant
incident to come?
Given that we are faced with many
conflicting choices in any aspect of life, become aware of what is happening
around you and know where you stand on any given issue. Unfortunately, it seems
that the weighing scale we use to make towards a crucial decision can be tipped
either way depending on the prevailing opinion or personal feelings. One thing
must be certain, i.e., to be ready for anything that will impact us whether
expected or unexpected. Keeping our eyes, heart and mind aligned to what we
know to be “…true, honorable, just, pure,
lovely, commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of
praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8). Never lose sight of
these things in all our decisions purposely, for they are what matters the most
at the end of the day even at the worst unexpected times.
The most important thing to
consider above all else is to become fully attentive that there will be
unexpected episodes in our life that may come and go. But what should be
remembered is the fact that we need to be always anticipating it. Somebody
said, “Expect the unexpected and prepare
for the worst.” But I would choose to say, “Expect the best out of every unexpected situation and prepare for
greater things ahead.” Especially true, if you know that your life is in
the hands of God, nothing should ever surprise us and if we fully trust in Him,
we will never worry whatever may come.
The fact of the matter is this: I
need to “Be still and know that He is
God” (Psalms 46:10) at all times. I must not swerve to the left or to the
right about what God is doing in my life today and tomorrow. My full confidence
is in Him and no matter what unexpected things that may come across, this I
know that He can always turn it around for my good and for His glory alone. I
firmly believe this and I will declare it continually all the days of my life.
Finally, allow me to say that our
journey with God will bring us both expected and unexpected things in order to
fulfill His plans and purposes in our life and to others that we come in
contact with. But no matter what the situation might be, whether it is expected
or unexpected, we can always stand on God’s promise, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,
for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). This is a
promise that can stand the test of time and that any unexpected events that
will turn up will have to pass through this promise yielding only God’s
expected favor and blessings to those who believe.
Let’s talk again!
