📔The Decision That Changes Everything

✍️ Ayodeji Oludapo

📅 April 17, 2025

Scripture

Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! — Philippians 2:6-8 (NIV)

Devotional Thoughts

Each day, we're presented with countless decisions—what to say, where to go, how to respond, and whom to trust. Some are small and pass with little thought; others leave a mark on our future, for better or worse. Decisions can open doors or close them, mend relationships or break them. And yet, there is one decision made over 2,000 years ago that eclipses them all.

Jesus, fully divine and fully human, stood at a crossroads that no other being ever has. He could have stayed in heaven, untouched by the pain of this broken world. But He chose to step into our mess, our sin, our suffering. His decision wasn’t made in weakness but in divine strength. It was a conscious, intentional act of love: to become flesh, to suffer, and to die—for us.

In Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done.” In that garden, facing the weight of sin and separation from the Father, He still said “yes.” That “yes” was the turning point in the universe. The decision to endure the cross and bear the wrath we deserved unlocked grace, hope, and eternal life for all who believe. The obedience of one Man changed the story for all mankind.

In the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus, overwhelmed with sorrow, knowing the betrayal, the mock trial, the lashes, and the nails that awaited Him, still chose to stay. He told Peter, “Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53). He had a way out. Yet, He stayed.

His decision wasn’t made lightly—it was soaked in blood, sweat, and tears. But in that choice, He bore the weight of our sin. It wasn’t nails that held Him to the cross—it was love.

Practical Reflection

We may never face a decision on the scale of Jesus’, but we do face moments that shape eternity. The decision to follow Christ, to forgive, to serve others, to say "yes" to God’s calling—these are all reflections of the decision Jesus made for us.

What decisions are before you today? Are you choosing comfort or obedience? Are you leaning into God's will, or clinging to your own plan? When we align our decisions with God’s heart, we step into a legacy of redemption. Every time we say “yes” to Him, we echo the decision that changed everything.

Closing Thoughts

Jesus' decision to go to the cross wasn’t just a moment in history—it’s the anchor of our hope. Because He chose the path of sacrifice, we can choose the path of life. Let us live in response to His “yes.” Let us make our daily choices in light of the eternal decision that saved us.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for choosing the cross. Thank You for not turning away when it got hard, but for enduring the agony to bring us peace. Help me today to choose obedience over convenience, faith over fear, and Your will over mine. May my life reflect the power of Your decision and bring glory to Your name. Amen.