Recently I have been reading the book of Acts in the New Testament, and came across the following passage:
"Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.
Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness." (Acts 14:16-17)
From this scripture I thought about how many witnesses God gives us, yet He also gives us the power to choose if we will search for those witnesses and evidence of His existence. He will always give us witnesses so that we can know of Him, and when we choose to follow God, then an overflowing of blessings will be given.
This scripture occurs after some of the disciples work miracles in Lystra, and are mistaken by the locals for Roman Gods, Mercury and Jupiter (known in Greek mythology as Zeus and Hermes). Because the people of Lystra misunderstand, they immediately gather for idol sacrifice, which the disciples frantically interrupt, proclaiming that they are men and that the people would worship the true God who gives them blessings.Though the Lord allows men to make their own choices, He still gives an abundance of blessings in witness of his power and grace. God is truly generous to mankind, as everything He does is for our good, even to the extent that we are allowed to fail and make mistakes. Just thinking about it simply, we are truly given the power to choose, and it is quite a bit of power indeed.
In modern days it is pretty common for the general populace to jump on trends, bandwagons, and the opinions popular on the internet and media. Having a 'mob-mentality' is pretty common, and unfortunately it doesn't seem like people really even realize what they are doing, and so they continue on in their ways without truly thinking and choosing for themselves. In a way, they are choosing the easy route and letting others choose for them, what they wear, what they say, and even how they should be living their lives!
Once we realize just how much power through choice God gives us, it can be kind of frightening! I for one am not confident in my decision-making skills. However, I am also extremely grateful that we chose Heaven'y Father's plan that allows us to live on this world, imperfect as it may be.
