I recently watched the Matrix trilogy of films, which I hadn’t seen for many years. In the first film the leading character Neo is given a choice between two pills: the red pill would reveal the truth about the Matrix, and the blue pill would return him to his former life. The choice would determine his future. 

There are many choices we have to make in life that will affect our future: should I marry this person or not? Should I take this job or not? Should I live in this country or move abroad? Choices, choices, choices – we are confronted with so many.   

Before making a significant decision, Christians will pray about the choice set before them and seek God’s guidance. But what if it is still not clear what we should do after we have prayed? What should we do then?

If you are facing this sort of situation then the example of Manoah is very helpful. He and his wife had been unable to have children when a ‘man of God’ appeared, looking like an angel, and told his wife that she was going to become pregnant (Judges 13:6-7). Manoah was naturally perplexed about the angel’s message and so prayed for clarification. If we are still unsure what to do, even after we have taken it to God, then pray again seeking clarification.

When we pray to God for insight, we are demonstrating our reliance and dependence upon him. He wants us to ask him for the wisdom to make the right choices in life. As James puts it in his letter, ‘If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.’ (James 1:5). And that includes asking a second, third, or more times if we need clarification. God did not rebuke Manoah for asking for clarification; we are told, ‘God answered Manoah’s prayer’ (Judges 13:9). The same will be true for us as we humbly seek God’s wisdom in the choices we make.

The name Manoah means ‘rest’ or ‘quiet’ 1  but this time in Israel’s history was neither restful nor quiet. Yet Manoah found both as he sought clarification from God and received his answer. That same rest and quiet is available to us as we seek and trust in God’s guidance.   

Now, what is it to be, the red pill or the blue?

¹ Manoah | The amazing name Manoah: meaning and etymology (abarim-publications.com)

Local congregation:
Grace Communion West Hampstead
Sidings Community Centre
150 Brassey Road
West Hampstead
London
NW6 2BA

Meeting time:
Sunday 12.30 pm

Local congregational contact:
Gordon Brown
gordon.brown@gracecom.church

Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church