Sibu

As a single Christian mother, life often feels like a series of endless juggling acts—managing relationships, work, business, and career choices, all while striving to live a life grounded in faith. Each day presents a new set of challenges, and through it all, discernment has been my guiding light (Not always though). The Bible is replete with stories that offer wisdom on making sound decisions, and these stories have been a source of strength and inspiration for me.

Discernment, as described in the Bible, is the ability to judge well. 

1 Kings 3:9

“An understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil.” 

The above request from Solomon pleased God, and He granted Solomon unparalleled wisdom. For me, this story emphasizes the importance of seeking divine guidance in decision-making, especially when the stakes are high.

As a single mother, every choice I make has a profound impact on my child’s life. I remember a particularly tough period when I had to decide whether to accept a demanding job offer that promised financial stability but required inflexible hours. My heart was torn between the need to provide and the desire to be present for my child.

In my search for clarity, I turned to prayer and the Bible. The story of Moses came to mind. Moses was reluctant when God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3-4). He felt inadequate and feared failure. However, God’s assurance and guidance equipped him to fulfill his calling. Reflecting on Moses’ story, I realized that feeling overwhelmed is natural, but seeking God’s will and trusting His plan is paramount.

I prayed earnestly for wisdom and discernment. 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 

This scripture became my anchor. I decided to decline the job offer and instead pursue a role that, while less lucrative, allowed me to maintain a balance between work and family.

Relationships, whether with family, friends, or potential partners, unequivocally demand a great deal of discernment. The Bible unequivocally provides ample wisdom on this front. Consider the resolute story of Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1-4). After the loss of their husbands, Naomi decisively resolved to return to her homeland. Ruth, her daughter-in-law, confidently chose to stay by Naomi’s side, boldly stating, 

“Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God” 

Ruth 1:16 

Ruth’s unwavering loyalty and discernment in choosing to support Naomi ultimately led to her own blessings and a significant place in the lineage of Jesus.

In my life, there have been moments when I had to decide whom to trust and allow into our lives. Years after my relationship with my ex-fiancé ended, I decided to give dating a try again. Most potential partners seemed ideal on the surface, but something in my spirit felt uneasy. I’ve consistently known that selecting the proper partner is crucial as it will shape the trajectory of one’s entire life. Nobody wants to get married just to end up divorcing because they ignored the red flags early on. Counterfiets when it comes to relationships is very real. 

Naturally, being in my mid-thirties made me feel a bit desperate to settle down and start a family. At times, I was tempted to just settle for anyone. Ruth’s story served as a reminder to place emphasis on loyalty, honesty, and devoutness in relationships. Ofcourse, being in my mid thirties meant I felt a bit desperate and wanted to just get married and start a family. I was sometimes tempted to just settle. In time, it became clear that most relationship were not right, and I ended it, trusting that God had better plans for me.

Trusting God’s Plan

Looking back, I see how God’s hand has guided me through every decision. Discernment is not always easy, and the path is often fraught with uncertainty. However, by leaning on biblical wisdom and seeking God’s guidance through prayer, I’ve found the strength to navigate the complexities of life.

I encourage you, whether you’re facing career decisions, navigating relationships, or balancing multiple roles, to seek God’s wisdom. Trust in His plan, even when it’s not immediately clear. Just as He guided the figures in the Bible, He will guide you. Let discernment be your compass, and remember, you are never alone in this journey.

Stay blessed!