Decisions, Decisions

Let’s finish our conversation on how to make good and godly decisions. Yesterday I discussed some key obstacles to making Godly decisions. If you didn’t read the blog, I’ll quickly review. First, my own sinfulness keeps me from making Godly choices. Second, my fears stop me from moving forward. And third, my common sense stands in the way of Godliness.

God’s ways don’t always make logical sense from a human perspective. They demand a leap of faith. They require trust in a faithful but unseen God who will be there to hold you the minute you take that step of faith.

But maybe you’re a “how to” kind of person. You are reading this, and you’re thinking to yourself “ok, I get the obstacles, but how in the world do I actually choose the right road? Give me practical steps to making a right decision”.

Ok, ok. I hear you. Here are some thoughts.

1. Pray

All you have to do is spend some time studying the life of Jesus to figure this one out. Every time Jesus had to make a big decision, like when he chose the 12 disciples, or when he faced the daunting cross, he got on his knees, alone. It’s a pattern in his life, and the bottom line is that if He had to seek His Father’s face to make wise decisions, then so should we. Prayer is not the same thing as worry. It’s not a group discussion. It’s something that happens on your knees and on your own. Do you pray for wisdom in decision-making?

2. Get a Promise from the word of God

God speaks through his word. His word is alive and active (Hebrews 5:12).  Listening to God through his word is not a random exercise. It works best when you are regularly reading His word and getting used to hearing him speak. If you haven’t been doing that, you can still start right now. Begin in one of the gospels. Ask for understanding. I can’t tell you how many decisions I’ve made after reading a specific promise from God’s word pertaining to the issue at hand.

3. Seek Godly counsel

In Proverbs 15:22 it says that without counsel plans fail, and in Proverbs 24:6 we’re told in the multitude of counselors there is safety. This does not mean take a poll of 100 people for opinions on the matter. What you should look for is a trustworthy and experienced follower of Christ. If you can’t think of anyone who qualifies, the odds are you are not plugged into a good Bible believing church. Change that! Or you can Ask Dr.Lina as your last resort! I don’t promise to know everything but I can direct you to a Biblical source on the decision you are facing.

4. Do the next thing

So many Christians are paralyzed by inaction. “What if I make the wrong decision” becomes not making any decision at all. If you’ve prayed and read the word, and sought some counsel and still don’t know what to do, then do the next thing. Get up and take the next step. Go to church, join a Bible study, go to work, clean your house, be nice to your neighbors. At first it may not be obvious where it is leading, but as you seek to obey God and live a life that is honoring to Him, he will direct your paths.

5. Consider your Circumstances

Last but not least, look for that open door, or understand when that other door shuts. God uses circumstances to help direct you along the way. Alternatively, many Christians make too much of circumstances, and omit the work of prayer and reading God’s word as they make decisions. Any open door becomes the right one, and every shut door becomes a sore subject. Consider circumstances, ask for wisdom to understand God in them, but realize that circumstances are just circumstances. Some open doors must not be walked through, while some shut doors need a second knock!

For some of you, this information is very basic and a good review. That’s great! For others, it may be the first time you’re hearing this advice.  Glad to share it! I’ve followed this advice with just about every big decision in my life, and have learned that God’s word speaks. Listen to it!

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