Deliberating on Decisions

I have decided to follow Jesus…

“Don’t worry. If I’m supposed to become a Christian, God will help me to know,” I answered my husband, Jeff’s tearful question with insistence that I couldn’t be rushed. I still was undecided.

I wanted meaning and purpose in life. As a teen and young adult I looked everywhere for truth. I liked the idea that “all roads led to God,” but for me every road dead-ended in confusion.

One day I told Jeff I thought I was ready. “I’ll just try to pray and see what happens. If Jesus is real, I will feel SOMETHING. If He’s not, what do I have to lose?

“Don’t be too quick. Following Jesus is hard,” Jeff’s response surprised me.

“Is it hard like marriage?” We, newlyweds, were struggling to get things right. “Actually, it’s a lot like that,” he answered. 

“Then I know it will be worth the struggle.” I was right!

I have decided to follow Jesus,

I have decided to follow Jesus,

I have decided to follow Jesus,

No turning back, no turning back.

The world behind me, the cross before me,

The world behind me, the cross before me,

The world behind me, the cross before me,

No turning back, no turning back.

Though none go with me, still I will follow,

Though none go with me, still I will follow,

Though none go with me, still I will follow,

No turning back, no turning back.

(Simon Marak)

I learned this simple song in my early days as a believer. It was part of the curriculum for my Sunday school first grade class. Funny how I thought I could teach about God when I was such a baby in my faith. The kids were probably the ones teaching me.

Now, more than 30 years later, I know the truth of these words. I have followed Jesus in good times and bad. 

Once that undecided girl made up her mind, Jesus taught her about the cross. 

No turning back, no turning back.