Have you ever wondered what God’s will was for your life? Sometimes we’re left with a split in the road and we’re not sure of the direction God wants us to take. Should we take option one or option two? Which road does God desire us to take?
We are called to make many decisions throughout our day, in fact, science tells us we typically make up to 35,000 decisions a day. No wonder we feel tired by the end of the day! While it would be wise to ask God for guidance with each of our decisions I can almost guarantee you that none of us go to God in prayer for each of our 35,000 choices. I think God understands that, but there are some of the many decisions we make daily that we should be seeking God for wisdom in. I’ll share four ways you can seek God for wisdom in your decision making.
Pray about your decision
When making an important decision we should seek God in prayer for direction and wisdom. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 instructs us to “pray in all circumstances,” so when we’re faced with a decision, we should definitely be spending time in prayer seeking God for direction, guidance and wisdom.
In James 1:5, James informs us that we can ask God for wisdom, and He will generously give it to us. God does not desire to withhold wisdom and direction for His children when they ask Him for it.
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
Examine your decision with Scripture
When faced with a decision it can be difficult to know which way is best. When we align our decision with Scripture we can better discern if it is a wise direction to take or if it opposes God’s Word. Scripture is God’s instruction to us, intentionally written so we could gain insight and wisdom for our daily lives and the choices we make.
Take some time in prayer, open your Bible and ask God to speak to you through His Word and direct you to what He desires you to read.
Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Seek wise counsel
After praying and reading Scripture, it can be beneficial to reach out to someone whom you value their wisdom to get their advice on your decision. Sometimes when we are faced with a decision we can become engulfed in our situation and it’s wise to get an outsider’s fresh perspective.
While seeking a wise, godly individual for advice is important, if you still feel God urging you to make a different decision than they instructed, proceed with the choice God is instructing you to make. Wise counsel is important, but it shouldn’t overtake what you feel God is leading you towards. Wise counsel from others is helpful instruction, but should not be the determining factor.
Proverbs 15:22
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
Take the first step
Sometimes making a decision is a tough battle. Taking that first step can feel so intimidating, especially if both choices can be beneficial. If you’ve prayed, aligned your decision to Scripture and sought counsel and feel like you’re still uncertain of God’s direction, sometimes God desires that you to take the first step in faith. Even if you make a couple wrong turns, God still can use them to guide, lead and direct you down the path He has planned. He can use even our mistakes to bring glory to Himself. Don’t be afraid to take the first step and see where God leads you!
Some questions you can ask yourself before making a decision:
- Could this decision lead me closer or farther away from God?
- Will this decision help or hinder me from serving God?
- Will this decision taint my integrity?
- Would God be pleased with my decision?