The Next Right Thing: A Simple, Soulful Practice for Making Life Decisions

by Emily P. Freeman

The story arc can be one of hope even though each part of the story may have had its share of hopelessness. The story arc can be one of faith even though the characters may have shaken fists and asked hard questions and yelled at the top of their lungs. The story arc is joyful even when the people are broken.

Dallas Willard says we always live what we believe; we just don’t always live what we profess we believe.

In that moment, in the way God always does, he made the side of the road center stage. He took what they thought was a footnote and made it a headline, a side-of-the-road detour in the upside-down kingdom of God.

All we know about Bartimaeus is he was blind, he called out to Jesus, and he answered the question that was asked. Jesus called this an act of faith. I wonder if the same is true for us? I wonder if stating our desire in the presence of Jesus is actually an act of faith?

Just because things change doesn’t mean you chose wrong in the first place. Just because you’re good at something doesn’t mean you have to do it forever.

Having pretty flowers, painting a room a bold color, or trying out a new recipe is not reserved for people who know more, who have more, or who seem to be more than you. This is for you too. You don’t have to be fancy, rich, chosen, or special. You just get to be you. You are allowed to take up space in the room. You are allowed to choose something and you are allowed to change your mind.

A PRAYER You told Abraham to leave his country, his people, and his father’s household, but you didn’t tell him exactly where he was going. You told Moses to lead the people out of Egypt, but you didn’t give him a five-week plan. You told Mary she would have a Son and call him Jesus, but she wasn’t offered assurance of his safety or guarantees that her life would go smoothly. You are not a God who offers clear steps. But you invited Abraham outside and told him to look up at the stars, so shall your offspring be. You gave Moses a vision of a promised land flowing with milk and honey. You whispered salvation for the whole world in Mary’s ear. You never promise clarity. But you always give a hopeful vision. And you always promise presence.