WHEN TAKING TOUGH DECISIONS: JOSHUA 1:9

Author: John Sunny

Intro: John Sunny underscores how important prioritising God is in all life’s decisions.

My journey with the Jesus Youth movement began in 2008. Looking back, I can clearly see the hand of God in my life and the beautiful ways in which he has guided me. I have gone through many ups and downs in my spirituality, achieved successes, and learned from failures. I have always felt awestruck by how God moves in the lives of many young people through the Jesus Youth Movement. My journey with the movement has taught me two things – giving priority to God, and completely surrendering to the Holy Spirit. The Word of God that has always guided me is Joshua 1:9 – Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. This Word of God has been an anchor during times of dilemma and crisis in my ministry or personal life. Reciting this Word of God keeps me motivated, calm and helps me in taking wise decisions.

I recall two incidents where I had to take difficult decisions and experienced God’s guidance through the process. On completing my B-Tech, I got recruited into an MNC through campus placement. I had to join in the month of December and had to relocate to Chennai. At the same time, I had taken a short-term commitment for the preparations of the Kerala Campus Conference happening in August. Soon after the conference, I was asked to be part of the Kerala Campus Team for the next 2 years. I was in a tough situation. Thinking about my parents and future, I wanted to turn down the job. But then I had a conviction that it was God who gave me this responsibility; he knows everything, and he will manage everything. So I said no to the job offer and decided to continue with the commitment. By God’s grace, two months later I was placed in another MNC operating at Kochi. I joined the same and was able to complete my commitment fruitfully. I have been working in this same company for the past 7 years. My manager and colleagues understand that I am a Jesus Youth and support me in my leadership activities by permitting me to take leave whenever necessary. Because of this current company, I was given leave for 3 months to volunteer in Taizé. I am amazed at God’s plan which has been beyond my imagination.

Soon after I became the KJYC Coordinator, my parents insisted that I get married. My father was adamant to conduct my marriage before his retirement. The responsibility I was shouldering as Kerala Coordinator required a huge amount of my time for travel and meetings. I was yet again put in another difficult situation. I was confused about whether I should obey my parents or convince them about getting married after the commitment. I always had Joshua 1:9 echoing in my mind – do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, there is nothing that will happen in my life without the knowledge of God. Whenever I sat for prayer, the thoughts that came to my mind were, ‘He is the one who called me to be the coordinator and he is the same person who is asking me to get married, he will give me grace and guidance to balance both ministry and married life.’ So, I surrendered completely to God, ‘let thy will happen in my life.’ Within a short time, I found the right person and got married, that too before my father’s retirement. My parents and relatives were very happy and proud of JY. When I look back, I realise how wonderfully God has guided me by blessing me with the best partner. Even though she is not a JY, she has a deep relationship with God and is a person who spends time for personal prayer daily. She understands the responsibility I have in JY and till now I have not faced any difficulty in balancing ministry and personal life. 

Also, after being married there have been some added responsibilities that sometimes affect my ministering commitment. In these tough situations, I cannot make decisions alone, so we sit together to pray, think and as Joshua 1:9 says, we give the first priority to God in our decisions and take decisions together. If we give priority to God in all our decision-making instead of our human feelings or emotions, everything will come out fruitfully and results will be beyond our expectations and the best we can receive

John Sunny works as a business analyst in an IT firm in Kochi, India.