Decisions do indeed have great significance on the bearing of our lives as individuals, and the direction of nations - because decisions always have consequences. As in physics, so in life: every action has a reaction.

This is where the sovereign will of Almighty God meets with the God-given ability of man to make choices of our own free will.

Many Christians quote the verse of Scripture quoted in this article - Jeremiah 29. 11 "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Some interpret this as meaning that we don't need to worry about the consequences of wrong decisions we have made because God has a purpose for our lives and He will work it all out. While that is true, it doesn't tell the whole story.

To put it in context, God was speaking to the children of Israel. They had turned their backs on Him and had been taken into captivity as a result.Two years into their exile, this is what He said to them - giving them hope for the future. The fulfilment of it was 68 years later. Israel had to suffer the full consequences of their rebellion before God would work His purposes in them.

Next time someone quotes this verse, aks them if they want to wait 68 years to see its fulfilment ...