Left or right? Coming to a dead end while driving means you have one of five decisions to make. You can sit there, go straight anyway, turn left, turn right, or back up.
Three of the decisions seem foolish while only two (Turn left or right) make sense. But bottom line the decision will be yours.
Making decisions in life is a little more complicated. Specially for Christians who add “The God Factor” into the decision making process. “The God Factor” is, “What would God have me decide to do?”
This short post is intended to help when it comes to making decisions in a Godly manner. But first I have what might be a surprise for you, and here it is… Don’t make it harder than it actually is by trying to be overly spiritual. WHAT? Let me explain…
Don’t require 100% certainty before making a decision. Many people want to wait till they are 100% certain something is “God’s Will.” I don’t think I’ve ever been 100%… without a doubt… completely certain about any decision I’ve ever made except for becoming a Christian. If you wait for 100% certainty, you’ll wait forever.
Don’t ask God for a sign to help in making a decision. Jesus said that looking for a sign was in fact evidence of evil as found in Matthew 12:39. Not only that, keep in mind that the Adversary can counterfiet signs from God. You remember that from what the magicians of Pharaoh’s court did when they turned their rods into serpents just like Moses did in Exodus 7:10-12. So forget asking God for some kind of sign from heaven… it’s just too subjective.
So what is a process for making decisions? Here are five things to consider in making decisions that honor God. When a decision is to be made…
1. Gather all the available information…
2. Seek Godly counsel from Christians more mature than yourself (Proverbs 15:22)…
3. Ask God for direction through prayer (James 1:5)…
4. Make the decision…
5. Leave the outcome in God’s hands without regret (Proverbs 3:5-6).
That may not seem Godly at first, but it actually is. This process is both practical and spiritual. Keep in mind that regardless of the outcome, God is in control! Even if the result of your decision seems to be a mistake, God is working Romans 8:28-29 out in your life.
Ron, you hit the nail dead on with this one. I’m sure that it is a coincidence that during our Bible Study/Devotion time this moring at NobleBank we talked about this very topic. And your 5 items to consider were very consistent with what we discussed this morning. Proverbs 3:5-6 is one of my favorite verses – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” Which by-the-way you circled and initialed in my Bible that was given to me from FBCO for my deacon ordination. God Bless
Keith,
It is no surprise to me that those in your Bible study came to the same conclusions since I know at least a couple of those who were probably there… that they are godly individuals who have worked through this several times. Now the thing for us to do is implement that process and not skip through it quickly. Nothing is lost by waiting on God. Also, leaving the outcome in His hands means not second guessing ourselvs once a decision is made! God bless you my brother!
Ron
Ron, thank you for sharing this with me. I have learned over the years and especially right now at this time in my life that I have to put everything in God’s hands. I ask Him for guidance every day in making decisions and then I rely on what He has given me. You are a tremendous help to me and I appreciate you more than you know. Have a great day and a blessed life!
That is very helpful…Wednesday night a week ago, I didn’t really want to come that night, but I told you I was coming and the whole time I felt like you were talking to me. That was the night when you talked about making the decisions…and I’ve been needing to make that decision about to live with Jessie or with the other girls. So it helped a lot! Love you!
Amy
I was struck not only by the decision making process but was encouraged by the three
people who commented on the blog. You do make a difference in all our lives.