Most decisions we make as followers of Jesus are not made crystal clear by God before we make them. God is able to make every decision clear, but He doesn’t often work that way. Instead, He wants us to exercise faith.
Exercising faith in God while making decisions requires consulting with four different things. They are: (1) God’s Word, (2) Prayer, (3) Godly Counsel, and (4) Wisdom.
1. Look at God’s Word.
If God’s Word says we ought to do it, we ought to do it. If it says we ought not do it, we ought not do it. This consideration is clear cut and has veto power over every other consideration. If friends guide you one direction that contradicts God’s Word, then God’s Word ought to win (and you ought to re-consider who your truest friends are). If you’re praying about it and really sense you ought to do something but that something contradicts God’s Word, then your prayer receptor is off. The Word of God is truth. We will never go wrong in following it.
2. Pray about it.
Second, pray about it. God wants us to ask Him for direction on things. He wants us to tell Him how we’re feeling about decisions. Why not ask Him what you should do while looking in God’s Word for the answer? Note, while the Spirit of God can and does guide us while we’re praying (praise God for that!), always check what you sense the Spirit leading you to with God’s Word. Remember, there are false spirits. And while they don’t dwell in us as Christians, we can be influenced by evil spirits.
3. Ask several godly people.
Third, ask godly people what they think about it. Tell the godly people your heart about the situation and don’t hide things they need to know. The Bible says, “In a multitude of counselors, there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14). Notice I did not say to ask a godly person what he or she thinks, but to ask godly people. One godly person isn’t omniscient and may not be walking in the spirit when you speak to them! But many godly people, generally speaking, are going to guide you in a godly path.
4. Ask God for wisdom.
Lastly, ask God for wisdom. Wisdom is what you really need in order to make the best decision. The Bible says we can ask God for wisdom if we need it and that He will give it to us (James 1:5). The Spirit does give wisdom and reassurance for decisions He is leading us to make. The Spirit also gives us peace about decisions.
If you use these four things, you can know what the best decision is, no matter the seriousness of the decision. God will be faithful to give guidance if you seek him.
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