Decisions, Decisions, Decisions! Every day of every week of every year, we are asked to make decisions. Some big, some little, and all significant to someone. Here are a few helpful hints to help you make wise decisions every day.
God gave Moses the dream of leading the nation of Israel out of 400 years of slavery, but Moses had to make the decision to confront Pharaoh. God gave Noah the dream of saving the world from the flood, but Noah had to make the decision to build the ark. God gave Abraham the dream of building a new nation, but Abraham had to make the decision to leave everything he had and go out into the unknown.
Just like these guys, you’ll never experience God’s plans for your life until you come to the stage of decision-making and step out in faith. To make a good decision is one thing. To make a godly decision is quite another.
Whether it’s about your job, marriage, money, health, or children, there is a simplistic and doable plan for making solid, biblical decisions that will keep you on track toward pursuing God’s dream for your life.
Pray for guidance. Before you do anything else, get God’s perspective on the issue. “A man is a fool to trust himself! But those who use God’s wisdom are safe” Proverbs 28:26
Get the facts. There is no contradiction between faith and fact. Find out everything you can before you make a decision. Proverbs 13:16 says, “All who are prudent act with knowledge”.
Ask for godly advice. Talk to somebody you see God at work in and who’s made a similar decision and friends who know your weaknesses. “The more good advice you get, the more likely you are to win” Proverbs 24:6
Calculate the cost. Every decision has a price tag; it will cost you time, money, energy, reputation, talents, and resources. Proverbs 20:25 says, “It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows”. When folks want to pressure you to make a decision, it’s OK to say, “I’ll get back to you.” It’s more important to make a wise decision than a quick decision.
Prepare for challenges. In faith, expect the best. Expect God to work in your life. But also prepare for the problems that are part of every decision. Solomon said in Proverbs 22:3, “A prudent man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences”.
Face your fears and insecurities. Seeking perfection can paralyze your potential. God has always used imperfect people in imperfect situations to get his will done. Ecclesiastes 11:4 says, “If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done.” You have to trust God and start moving in spite of your problems, fears, and doubts
Seek wisdom from the Divine. Act on that wisdom. Remain committed to seeking godly wisdom, daily. Stay God’s course
–Chuck
