Deciding GOD's Way

“God has promised forgiveness to your repentance, but He has not promised tomorrow to your procrastination.” ― Augustine of Hippo

So many of us (yes, myself included…) make decision-making a more stressful activity than it out to be.. This is also true for GOD’s children since we want so badly to excel in the eyes of our fellow believers, and the world.

We fear being judged for doing the wrong thing, so we agonize over taking action and bring ourselves to a state of paralysis by analysis – over-analyzing and over-thinking a situation, unable to make a decision or take action. The result is a paralyzed outcome – we end up with nothing but feelings of frustration. Add to that guilt, if we have disappointed someone who is depending on us.

On the other hand, we may jump in at the very last minute with a hasty, anxiety-ridden decision and end up with ineffective and poor outcomes.

Either way, we should not allow the fear of being judged to be an excuse to procrastinate.

There is a healthy way to make decisions and once we can lose our ego long enough to accept that no decision is going to be perfect we can live happily with our choices.

As children of GOD, our decisions must honor GOD. Whether it be a personal matter or involve the Body of CHRIST, there are some Biblical principles that we should engage in to ensure GOD-honoring decisions:

1. PRAY – We are instructed to talk to GOD first about everything so He can lead us along the correct path (Proverbs 3:6). We also ask Him for wisdom (James 1:5).
2. CONSULT THE WORD – We must ensure that choices/decisions we are thinking of making are in agreement with the WORD of GOD and if any part falls short be prepared to make adjustments or revise. GOD’s WORD gives guidance, as a lamp to our feet (Psalm 119:105.)
3. SEEK GODLY COUNSEL – We are the Body of CHRIST, all of us are working towards the common goal of holiness. Having a consultation with a believing friend or family member is wise; consulting with a pastor or other trusted church leader might even be better, based on the circumstances. “Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22
4. DO RESEARCH – On the practical side, we must be informed and learn as much as possible about the issues involved and any options – we ask questions of persons with expertise and experience so we have as much data as possible for consideration and evaluation. Let the wise listen and increase their learning; let the person of understanding receive guidance. Proverbs 1:5.  

GOD is the only omniscient being and capable of perfect planning and decision-making.

No decision is going to be flawless and work perfectly, but if we make our decision with prayer, sound wisdom, and biblical counsel, we do not turn become paralyzed with fear of making a wrong move but continue to trust that GOD will bring us through any rough spots and take care of the outcome.

We admit it if we have taken a wrong turn, ask GOD to help us make the correct adjustments, and change direction accordingly. GOD will direct us and bring us to a healthy place

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Prayer is where we begin the decision-making process and prayer is what will keep us throughout. There is no time that we do not need to have GOD at our side and when we get to the finish line, we give all honor and glory to Him since it is not by our own efforts that we succeed.

“…pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

We are most susceptible to a state of paralysis by analysis when we trust only in ourselves. The reason? We have no power, talent, or genius of our own, it is Almighty GOD who blesses our efforts, and gives us strength to endure, and His power for success.

We make biblical principles our decision-making beacon and we can accomplish much, with almost perfect results.

“….in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Holy GOD, Mighty and Everlasting Father. With all our hearts we trust in YOU and not our imperfect understanding. We submit every plan, thought, and idea to YOUR grace and ask for favor to help us make correct choices in our lives and on behalf of others so we can act with the wisdom YOU give. We thank YOU for direction and guidance, and cause us to trust that YOU will never lead us astray but always to a good outcome and great success. Thank YOU for forgiving us for even thinking that we have any wisdom of our own. Through YOU alone we can live in abundance. We acknowledge that all glory, all honor, all dominion and power belong to YOU for ever and ever. We pray all in JESUS’ NAME.

Amen!

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile