Tough Decisions......

This past week I've had to make some decisions that are unpopular by most.  And those times are tough on a person like me who likes to please.  I like everyone to understand my ways and my decisions and, ultimately, to think I'm pretty wise.  Lately I've had to make some decisions that the majority of people just don't get....decisions that make me a minority by far. 

I've learned that depending on who I call I can get the response that I want.  If I need people to agree with me, I have a certain handful of people that share essentially the same views and who will encourage me in my decision.  On the other hand, I know who I can call to get an opposing view.  At any given moment, I can find a person to agree with me and a person to think I'm crazy - it all depends on who I ask.  Opinion.   So, where do I find the right answer?  If the answer is clear-cut and is addressed in the bible, I find it there.  If it is not, then much prayer and petition is needed.  For me, I find the right answer when I pray and find peace.

I've been wrestling with this particular situation for nearly a year.  The Lord has been preparing my heart for a while.  I've been listening and taking in information from a distance so that I could make an accurate decision when the time came.  As I got more closely involved in the situation, I continued to feel my heart being tugged in a way that is not the worn path of popularity.  I have felt a myriad of emotions from it all.  For as sure as the path seems, I continue to doubt.  The doubt usually creeps from realizing that I might not be liked or understood....that I might seem radical to some.  Yet is that the determining factor for me.....being understood?  Does that make me "right" if I'm understood by the majority?  Not necessarily. 

Jesus was one of the most misunderstood people to ever walk the face of the earth.  He loved instead of hated.  He washed the feet of those he knew would betray him.  He didn't defend himself even though he had no guilt when he was accused.  He met with sinners instead of saints.  He healed those who no one else would even look at.  His love for the unlovely was misunderstood by most.  He was, by all accounts, unpopular.  Yet, he stood firm in his actions.  He didn't apologize.  He stayed continually about His Father's business.  He most likely didn't worry about public opinion.  He WAS the minority. 

That brings me comfort.