At some point in your life, you’ve probably seen a cartoon that goes something like this. Father has a hard day at work, comes home and yells at Mom. Hurt, Mom marches into the family room and screams at Sister for neglecting her chores. Feeling persecuted, Sister marches out of the room while calling Brother a pest. Wanting to escape the chaos, Brother stomps outside and kicks the dog along the way.

Whether we like it or not, our bad decisions have a domino effect. One seemingly tiny thing can set off a cascade of consequences that is hard to stop.

The good news is that this principle works for good choices as well. When I wake up in the morning and go to the gym, I start the day feeling good about my early start. Because I’m on schedule, I have more time for devotions. Having spent some quality time with God, I am kinder to others throughout the day, which usually means that others are kinder to me. My stress is reduced, healthy eating is easier and at the end of the day I even take time to play with the dog :).

Wise decisions have a domino effect. One good choice leads to another and then another.

The Domino Threatens to Fall

As we are nearing the end of our Made to Crave study, I can’t help but look down the road to see what lies ahead. Fear threatens to rear it’s ugly head telling me there is no way I’ll ever be able to eat healthy for the rest of my life. And the domino threatens to fall.

If I can’t sustain this forever, I might as well eat a donut now. And since the donut blows the whole day’s eating plan, why not order a Big Mac for lunch? And while I’m there, I might as well add fries with a shake on the side. Supersized, of course. (It’s really a better value.) Then waking up from hibernation, my sugar cravings will scream for cookies, pies and ice cream to top off the already ruined day. And on it will go.

But only IF I let that first domino of fear fall…

What if I choose to tip the domino of faith instead?

Faith says something entirely different:

• I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
• God is faithful and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
• I am strong in the power of His might. Ephesians 6:10
• Greater is he that is in me, than he that is in the world. I John 4:4
• For with God nothing shall be impossible. Luke 1:37

These truths also have a cascading effect. When I trust that God is able to work in and through even me, I can make one small courageous decision. And that one decision, leads to another and another until it culminates in a lifetime of change.

In Chapter 19, Lysa said this, “Virtually everyone who overcomes will tell you their victory is the sum total of a whole lot of wise decisions that they made day by day.” And that is the only way I can look at the path ahead

I am choosing to have faith that God is able to help me make wise decisions one choice at a time.

What About You?

What is the first decision you need to make each day so that you are sure to tip the domino of faith instead of fear?

 

 

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