“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live…” Deuteronomy 30:19 (NRV).

My husband is a gamer. He tries to get me interested in his hobby, so recently, we started playing a game on PS4 called “Until Dawn.” I wouldn’t know how to explain the kind of game that it is because I’m new to the gaming world, but look it up for yourself. One key aspect to the outcome of this “storyline” game is the choices you make. Each step of the way the game asks you to choose between two decisions. For example, you can choose to act cool in a situation or act concerned. You can choose to take shortcuts or stick to the paths. Some of these choices are miniscule and some enact the “butterfly effect,” which affects the outcome of the entire story. The last time my husband and I played, I had to choose which friend to save from death. I also had to choose which route to take to save the character’s girlfriend. Well, I made a poor decision in the game, the character’s girlfriend died as a result.

This game caused me to reflect on choices and the impact they have on our lives. Deuteronomy 30:19 highlights the power of our choices. God tells the children of Israel their choices result in life or death. If they choose to be obedient to God and follow God, then they will live. If they don’t, they will die. I started to think about some of the choices I’ve made in my life and the decisions I’ve made that have triggered a “butterfly effect” and altered the course of my destiny. I’m thinking about relationship choices, job choices, residential choices, friends choices, and health choices. Where would I be if I hadn’t moved there or took the job here or got into a relationship with that person?

Thinking about all of this is enough to drive any person crazy. I take comfort in knowing that God has ordered my steps. I know I will have to face the consequences of many choices I have made, but I believe in the sovereignty of God. I believe that in the end, despite the many twists and turns of my journey, everything will work together for my good. Have you taken time to reflect on some of your choices?