A Message from Troy
August 2026
The Power of a Single Choice
I wish I could see the future impact of a choice before I make it. Better yet, I wish I could slow down long enough to truly consider its impact. Looking back, I can clearly see how my life has been shaped by individual decisions, some that led me toward freedom and others that carried consequences I never imagined in the moment. That is the unsettling yet hopeful truth about our choices: what feels small today can help determine the direction of our lives tomorrow.
Throughout Scripture, we find examples of how one decision can influence a life and sometimes alter the course of generations.
- Adam and Eve chose to believe a lie rather than trust the plan God had given them.
- Abraham and Sarah chose to take matters into their own hands rather than wait for God to fulfill His promise.
- David chose to take what he felt he needed in the moment rather than rest in the blessings God had already provided.
- Jesus faced unimaginable anguish and chose to trust His Father, laying down His life in obedience.
Each of these moments reveals the remarkable power of a single choice.
As we move through recovery, each day presents similar opportunities. They may not seem monumental at the time. In fact, they often appear quite ordinary. Yet they can make all the difference.
I am not talking about making a lifelong commitment, a major decision, or another promise to consider the impact before taking action. I am talking about choosing what is right today, sometimes even one moment at a time.
- Will I tell the truth or continue to hide?
- Will I reach out or isolate?
- Will I remain present with how I am feeling or try to escape it?
- Will I believe the familiar lie that promises instant relief, or trust the better path God has provided?
In the moment, it can be difficult to recognize the impact of a small decision. But recovery is built through daily choices, many of which seem small but carry real significance. Over time, those choices begin to form a new direction. They strengthen healthy patterns, deepen trust, and create space for God’s transforming work.
Of course, making a wise choice is not simply a matter of trying harder. If determination alone could set us free, most of us would have found freedom long ago. We need more than willpower. We need the power of Christ within us and the people and resources He has graciously provided around us.
That is why we learn to anticipate and prepare for obstacles. We identify our vulnerabilities. We practice telling the truth. We establish boundaries. We memorize what is true. We build relationships with people who will walk alongside us when we are tempted, overwhelmed, or afraid.
But eventually, we find ourselves standing before the obstacle, and we must choose.
- Will I lean into the plan I have prepared?
- Will I access the resources God has provided?
- Will I allow someone to walk with me?
- Will I trust the power of Christ within me, even when another path promises temporary relief?
Jesus understands the weight of the choice before us. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He experienced sorrow, anguish, and the desire for another way. Yet, He chose to trust His Father and walk the path of obedience. His choice did more than provide an example for us. It opened the way for our redemption and gave us access to His life and power.
At HopeQuest, we have the privilege of watching individuals make courageous choices every day. They choose honesty over secrecy, connection over isolation, surrender over control, and trust over immediate relief. No single decision completes the journey, but each faithful choice becomes another step toward freedom.
For those of you walking your own recovery journey, I pray you will not feel overwhelmed by the pressure to always get it right. Instead, ask: What is the next faithful choice God is inviting me to make today?
A single decision may feel small. But when that decision is grounded in truth, supported by community, and empowered by Christ, it can change the direction of a life forever.
Troy HaasChief Executive Officer The HopeQuest Ministry Group
