Making the Right Decision

“My son, give attention to my wisdom, incline your ear to my understanding; that you may observe discretion and your lips may reserve knowledge.” Proverbs 5:1-2 NASB

Gardiner Hubbard realized he had a great opportunity. Soon to become the son-in-law of Alexander Graham Bell, he learned that Bell had developed the “telephone.” Hubbard invested everything to win the patent for the phone. But to develop its potential, he needed investors.

In 1876, he approached Western Union with the opportunity to buy the necessary patents. He selected them because this company dominated long-distance communication, and controlled telegraph lines across the US. He knew the price ($100,000) seemed high. But Hubbard thought the product was worth the investment.

After considering the facts, Western Union president William Orton rejected the offer. He concluded that the telephone “has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication. The device is inherently of no value to us.” But others seized the opportunity, and the patent soon was sold to the newly formed Bell Company.

Within a year, Western Union realized that they made a mistake. Customers began replacing their teletypes with phones leased from Bell. Trying to make up for their mistake, the company introduced its own version of the telephone. But Bell prevailed. As Fortune magazine described, soon Western Union’s fortunes “began to decline. Bell and its successor, AT&T, would rule the communications industry for the next century.”

One company made the right decision. The other made the wrong one. With major implications.

Every day, we make countless decisions. What to do. What to say. Where to go. The Bible reminds us that God is ready to give us discernment for every decision.

What issues do you face? What decisions do you need to make? Commit these matters to God. He knows the future. He can guide you, and give you discernment. As you seek Him diligently, and cry out for wisdom, He promises to direct your steps.

Prayer: Father, I commit these matters to You: __________. I seek Your wisdom. Guide and lead me. And direct my steps. I commit my plans, and my future to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.