You are the sum total of every decision you have ever made — good, bad or indifferent. Neither God nor the devil can be blamed for where you are in life. You are where you are and have what you have because of your decisions.

This does not mean God hasn’t allowed you to face some challenges or has not blessed you for your faithfulness. Neither does this mean that the devil hasn’t tried to attack your life and sabotage God’s plans for you.

But when everything is said and done, it still boils down to your decisions. You have to decide that you believe God; in spite of what people say or do and the appearance of your circumstances, you must choose to believe the word of God. You must make the decision to take the lemons of life and make lemonade rather than drink the bitter salt of your tear-stained face.

Mary and Joseph had plans and hopes for a family. Suddenly, an angel appeared with an announcement from God. Instantly, their life was thrown into a whirlwind. Joseph was placed into the most embarrassing situation of his life. He had to make a choice. He had a right to accuse Mary of unfaithfulness. He could demand not only an explanation, but by law, he could demand repayment in blood! He could accept the child as his own, but to do so would be to live the moment in shame and a lifetime in disgrace. He could choose Mary and then divorce her, but at least she and the baby would be spared. Hey, another good plan. The angel appeared to him and told him to marry Mary and stay with her, for that was God’s plan.

Joseph had to make a decision of destiny, and that isn’t an easy decision. It takes faith and hearing from God, and then believing His word to make a decision of destiny.

Maybe right now, you are at a crossroads, or you recently heard the voice of God leading you to make a life-changing decision. You are not alone, and you will be tempted by many options. There are many Josephs and Marys out there, and God still is speaking.

Follow Joseph’s example and accept the will of God for your life. He has a way of turning disappointment, shame and pain into immense pleasure. But you have to make the decision to accept and align yourself with the will of God. The choice is up to you. Choose wisely!

Destiny should be a matter of choice and not left to chance.

Brown is the pastor of Destiny Christian Center and a member of the United Ministerial Alliance.