Wisdom in Decision-Making
It seems like it would be nice if I could make this a simple how-to post. Here are steps one, two, and three for how to make wise decisions about things that are more important than what color paint to use. There you go! But I read about a much more powerful way:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5).
I love that little phrase “without reproach.” My Father isn’t going to shake His finger at me for not knowing how to make these decisions on my own. Instead, He’s willing to bestow His limitless knowledge and discernment on me.
As I keep moving ahead and making decisions, I know that I do not serve a God who is stingy and distant. Instead, He is near. The pretentious-sounding doctrine of immanence becomes a precious reality. He delights in our prayers for wisdom. He lavishes grace on us. And He reminds us that all we have to do is ask.
Filed under: Christianity, My Life, Personal Reflection, Scripture on June 9th, 2008
I needed to hear that tonight. God is gracious with His wisdom and very willing to grant me the wisdom I need. Thanks for this reminder.
How have you been? I have missed your posts…
I love this post! Exactly what I have been thinking about and praying for. Thank you!
Thanks for that insightful thought & reminder Anna. Most appreciated.
Grace and peace be with you.
I’d encourage you to review Proverbs 16…it’s great for remembering God’s sovereignty in the decision-making process. Also remember that even though specific ‘big decisions’ aren’t necessarily spelled out for us clearly in Scripture, there is a lot that is clear…I think a lot of life can be HOW we live rather than WHAT (specifically) we do. God’s ultimately in control, and how wonderful is that…
As my Mother likes to say (and we put in our book “How To Survive Your Teen’s Pregnancy: Practical Advice for the Parents of a Christian Pregnant Single”…
A formula I like to use when evaluating decisions is:
• Were my actions and thoughts in accordance with what the Bible teaches? (The Ten Commandments are a good starting point. Exodus 20:7-17).
• Do I know the voice of the Holy Spirit as He speaks to my conscience? Do I obey His promptings?
• Do I go along with the crowd and the culture, or do I lean against it and follow God’s way when there is a conflict?
• Do I know what my personality and decision making characteristics are? Do I seek to know if God wants me to move outside of my comfort zone?
More than anything else, God wants to develop a relationship with you. This is a truth that I’m working through right now.
See, I think that we often get caught in the trap of thinking that we need to do something for God. It’s the “It’s a Wonderful Life” mentality– God needs me to do X because if I’m not there, then everything will turn out differently. That’s totally wrong. God will accomplish His mission, His way, in His timing, and I will get to join Him in that work when I’m ready in the way that He deems fit.
It’s like you’re saying about asking for knowledge– sometimes we’re not ready for it, but keeping a mindset that we should wait upon Him instead of jumping out on our own will grow that relationship and make us useful servants for Him.
Anna,
What wisdom you have and are obviously gleaning more of as you look to God to show His ways to you for your future! I think it is so important to remember that no matter what, there is no plan B when we are seeking with all our hearts to do what God wants us to do. Even if we take slight detours here and there, it was all part of His plan A for us…all in His control the WHOLE time and nothing we do can take things out of His control. Obviously those detours can sometimes cause pain so it is better to take as few of them as possible;) but still, how comforting to know that He sees us through in both strength and weakness. I know how many times I have gone on these little detours but yet He has always been so faithful and given me far more grace and love than I could ever deserve!:)
I enjoy reading about His leading in your life and can’t wait to read about where you are taken in your future course!