Decisions that honor God
It is only wise for me to weigh my options and to research a matter thoroughly before making an important decision. Otherwise I risk making a decision that can have many negative repercussions affecting me and those around me. A single decision can alter the course of my life and the normal flow of things. Decisions that are time-sensitive are the worst because there is a limit to the amount of time I have to carefully consider all possible outcomes. Making decisions under stressful situations can be a true test of character and experience for me. So, it is generally a good and responsible thing for me to be able to combine my knowledge, experience and strength towards making healthy decisions. I have to give myself a ‘pat on the back’ for taking this kind of charge over my life.
However, there is yet another element which I find to be crucial in the decision-making process, and in my opinion it is perhaps the most exciting and challenging at the same time. It is the element of faith.
Faith according to dictionary.com is defined as belief that is not based on proof. The New International Version of the Bible states in Hebrews 11:1 that faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. The reality is that there is always a “risk” factor in making decisions. I cannot always expect every single outcome to be positive and productive. I win some and I lose some. That’s life.
In my up-bringing, I was taught to make sure that God was directing me in my decisions, otherwise I would be in disobedience and nothing would prosper in my life. I was taught to make sure that God gave me clear instructions for everything. So imagine me waiting around for God to tell me who I should date, what school should I attend, or what I should do with my life.
In theory, I understand these teachings and the reason for them. My former teachers truly meant well, but failed to explain things in a way that was complete or well-balanced and in a matter that encouraged me to build a relationship with God based on trust and sincerity.
So in my own journey, I have learned that there will be times when I’ll never know what the correct thing to “do” is until I take a step of faith. My past has taught me that my reasoning for wanting to know God’s will for my life was to avoid making mistakes. Imagine if I expect God to make every single decision for me, how will I ever learn to take responsibility for my actions or the lack thereof? How will I ever learn to truly trust Him? It would be very easy for me to point my finger up towards heaven when things don’t work out in my life and say “well, God wanted it this way, so it is His responsibility, not mine.”
The Bible verse that really drives this home for me is found in Hebrews 11: 6. It says that without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
I really enjoyed reading your blog! I had no idea that you were creating one. I must say that this was very insightful and very well written! Looking forward to reading more of what you have to share. God bless you!!
Martha, I’m glad you enjoyed reading my blog. I certainly enjoyed putting it together. Thanks for your support! I Love you.
I am so happy you started to blog- what a great DECISION! I ask God to continue to bless you as you bless others in your God given talents including this one :0). Thanks for sharing and be ENCOURAGE!
Eunice, thanks for sharing my joy and for the encouragement! Love you always, in Christ.
Wow – very deep and very well written…. I could not agree more on your point! There are times when God directly tells us what to do and where to go, but most of the time we are bound to make our own choices and trust that he’s guiding our way. We must always remeber that, a man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps (Proverbs 16:9).
The best way to make a decision is to present our choice before the Lord and ask him to make us sensitive to his guiding voice. I have found in my life that many if not all of the bad choices I’ve made were a result of me not following that voice in the inner most part of my heart and conscience guiding me and telling me not to go that way.
God is a gentleman, so he does not force himself on us intervening with our bad choices, but he allows us to make them and learn from them. He’s a good God, who loves us and cares for us, and corrects us when we’re wrong, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in (Proverbs 3:12).
Rebeca, I agree with you. It is definitely vital for us to present our requests before the Lord. Thanks for sharing some of your own experience on here. Blessings.
Congrats on the start of your blogging journey. Writing is an amazing way to grow emotionally and spiritually. I’ve been thinking about blogging too and seeing your start is inspiring me further. Look forward to reading more of your pieces. 🙂
Maureen, thanks so much for your encouragement. I can’t wait to start reading your blogs as well. 🙂 Let me know your blog becomes available.