On making decisions...

Ever feel paralyzed by indecision, hampered by too many options? Ever wish someone would just pinpoint the right choice for you? Ever want a window into the future to glimpse the ramifications of a choice? Ever struggled with knowing God’s will?

It’s probably safe to say that most people struggle with making wise decisions. Those who don’t might be impulsive or conceited… or blissfully unaware (for a time) of that reality known as consequences. But why do we wallow in such angst?

Is it possible to over-spiritualize decision-making? As believers, do we sometimes think rationality must be abandoned for some mystical certainty God will reveal to us?

What are the facts here? While human wisdom has limits, and stubborn independence is certainly detrimental to a healthy walk with God, it is true that God has endowed human beings with intellect and reason. We are not brute beasts, governed solely by physiological impulses. We are neither victims of fate nor powerless to set a course. God has granted us a capability to measure costs, weigh possibilities, and anticipate outcomes.

It is fitting, then, that we make use of those gifts. I don’t think it is carnal, wrong, or sinful, for instance, to choose for myself what to wear each day. My decision will be guided by a desire to glorify God, and a reliance on the principles in the Word such as dressing modestly and honoring others above myself. However, within the range of acceptable clothing there is freedom.
While important, that example might seem like a fleeting issue, affecting only one day. What about long-term decisions, affecting life for years to come? I would submit that we fret unnecessarily over “bigger” life decisions. A recent article on Boundless addresses this, including the points below as a process for making good decisions:

1. To act as sensibly as you know how, based on what you know to be true of God's nature and character and of your own gifts and opportunities. Make plans, act on them, and trust God to guide you.

2. To make every effort to act wisely and truthfully, and then to surrender the outcome to God. Work hard, exercise good character, but stay focused on glorifying God not yourself.

3. To discover your redeemed passions -- your gifts, abilities and talents -- and to vigorously exercise those redeemed passions, trusting God to weave the pieces together into a coherent whole.

You see, we don't have to decide to do everything in life, just the next thing.

I really liked the reminder that it’s ok to do the best you can with the information you’ve got, and trust God for the results. Instead of worrying, I will start moving forward and trust God to guide me, and help me change direction if need be. I will choose to be faithful in what I know to be His will for me right now. I don’t want to fear the future, fear failure. I want to walk in faith, bold and confident of His leading, bolstered by the knowledge that I am secure in His hands.