Another Day, Another Hard Decision (Part 2)

The View From Above: Thoughts to Help With Everyday Life

August 4, 2026

Pastor Paul Stephens

Another Day, Another Hard Decision (Part 2)

Sometimes life feels exactly like that.

One challenge follows another because God is continually advancing His purpose in our lives and shaping us into the people He has called us to be.

Scripture Focus

Acts 15:36

“Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, ‘Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.’”

This took place after Paul’s first missionary journey.

That journey had been filled with hardship, persecution, and suffering, yet it had also produced great victories as churches were established throughout the region.

Paul had traveled—more accurately, walked—approximately 1,500 miles.

Most people would have thought that was enough.

But after returning home, Paul felt compelled to go back.

He chose obedience once again.

The second missionary journey would involve even greater sacrifice.

More hardship.

More persecution.

More opportunities to strengthen existing churches and establish new ones.

This time, Paul walked more than 3,000 miles.

Another hard decision.

Then another.

And another.

That is often how the Christian life unfolds.

God calls us to leave sin behind.

To pursue holiness.

To honor Him with our finances.

To tell others about Jesus Christ.

Each decision may seem small by itself, but together they form a lifelong pattern of obedience.

That was Paul’s life.

It was also Abraham’s life.

When Abraham obeyed God by offering Isaac, he demonstrated a heart that trusted God completely.

Paul demonstrated that same heart one obedient step at a time.

Throughout his missionary journeys, Paul traveled more than 10,000 miles in obedience to God’s calling.

One step.

One decision.

One act of obedience at a time.

That is how God’s work advances in every one of our lives.

So don’t be surprised if, after making yesterday’s hard decision, another one presents itself today.

God is still leading.

God is still working.

And He remains in control of every step along the way.

Scripture Focus

Psalm 37:23

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way.”

Today’s Challenge

Don’t become discouraged if today’s obedience looks much like yesterday’s.

Faithfulness is built one decision at a time.

Trust God with the next step He places before you.

Whether He asks you to take a few steps or walk ten thousand miles, His grace is sufficient, His direction is sure, and He delights in those who faithfully follow Him.