(Pr 16:33) "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD."
Decisions, decisions. We make them everyday. I’m not the most decisive person in the world. Ask my husband. At a restaurant, I’m usually the last one to order because I am constantly evaluating which is the best item on the menu for me on that particular day. I also spend a lot of time in the grocery aisle debating which brand to buy. Or clothes… oh my. Or buying cards— that’s the worst! (I usually end up leaving without a card because I’m appalled at the cost of them!) All of these examples, of course, would not be classified as important decisions.
But what about something that really matters? Maybe it’s a job change? A move? A new opportunity? Who to marry? Whether to adopt? Going to school? Selling all and taking a leap of faith into the unknown?
The outcome will change your life as you know it. It will affect your family. Your future. Your bank account. Your former plans.
How do you determine ‘God’s will’ when morality is not in question? How do you decide whether to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to an opportunity? You could easily step in this direction…or that. God, you ask, what do YOU want us to do? What should we do?
It would be great if it was as easy as casting lots. But that really probably isn’t the best way to do things in our day. Since we have the Holy Spirit, we have God’s guidance within us. So we pray about it and ask God to make it clear. We talk to others for counsel. We attempt to listen to the still small voice inside. We might read the Bible, hoping for a clear word. We think, we overthink, and pro/con lists are written. Waiting. Perhaps debating. Some frustration.
But ultimately, how do we make that final decision?
I think we’ve probably all been there. Just not knowing.
I think that if there is any hesitation, it’s probably a sign to slow down and wait, even though it feels like we are losing an opportunity.
No easy answers.
What do you do?
It depends on the situation but usually I pray about it and then go with what "feels right". I'm not a very logical person so if God wants to stop me, then He needs to use feelings. I generally just get a bad feeling about something or get a feeling of peace or a sense that it is right. Not very scientific, I know!!!
ReplyDeleteSo now the big question that has me curious...what decision are you contemplating?
P.S. If it's a really big decision, then I sometimes ask others to pay about it also.
Sharla, we were considering a home based business that some friends told us about.
ReplyDelete