Decisions, decisions. We make a lot of decisions both big and small on a daily basis. Do you have trouble making decisions? Does making them stress you out? Would you like to have more faith in your decisions? If so, this post is for you.
People seek guidance in different ways, and all of them have their place - to a point, but the first place we should go to is the Word of God. Sadly, the reverse is often true. We go to other people or our feelings first, and then when things don't work out we go to God. Maybe.
Folks, human beings still struggle with the choices of life and the principles of God are there to guide and direct us because - as we know- making the right choice can be difficult. There is a better way.
I mean for an extended period of time. No, you don't have to go to an ashram or become a monk. You can find stillness in your own home, in nature, in prayer and meditation. We have to quiet our minds and clear the mental muddle if we want to tune in to that still small voice. I like to do this in the early morning or while I am journaling. Journaling helps get my thoughts and feelings off my mind and onto paper. It is one of the 10 skills to help us grow spiritually.
Now if you are not a regular bible-reader, sometimes you can just flip it open and start reading. The Lord will often give you the answer. However, it is better if you are somewhat familiar with the Bible so you can know where to look. I ask myself the question "Who in the Bible had a similar situation to deal with?" Another option is to go to the book of Proverbs where there is a ton of practical wisdom that applies to daily life.
Do not - under any circumstances - make a decision you are still conflicted about. This is the worst thing you can do because you are not at peace about it. Sadly, I went ahead and walked down the aisle when I did not have a peace about the decision. I guilted myself into it but you can read about it in my book, "The Power of Faith".
Sorry folks, and yes, I know there are instances in the Bibles where people asked for signs, but we have to listen to what Jesus said. Matthew 12:39 calls the people who begged for signs "an evil and adulterous generation". For more on asking for signs, see this article "Is it right to ask God for a sign?"
Now this is the tough part. It is hard to put aside our own feelings and desires, but if we want God's best it is crucial to do so. Our flesh wants to lead us into what will satisfy it, temporarily. We have to have the big picture and think long-term. Will I be happy with this choice 5 - 10 years down the road?
Years ago, in my early dating life, I thought I was in love with this guy. He was Jewish and that was the first obstacle. But God ordained to have him meet with a messianic rabbi, and a former accountant, same as my friend, to explain to him about Christ. Well, we were close to getting engaged, but then when I met his father, who also had the same critical, sarcastic traits I asked myself "You are looking at your future. Is this the kind of person you want to live with for the rest of your life?" The answer was no.
God has three answers to our requests: yes, no, and not now. We want things on our own terms and our own time-table. We want it NOW. The problem is this -God's time frame is usually not the same as ours. If we rush ahead with our plans before the time is right, things won't work out. I could tell you a story about that too, but not today.
The yes answer usually comes on very strong. You can sense it in your spirit. Things just fall into place. You have a sense of peace. You ask, seek, and knock and the door opens.
The no answer feels like a knot in your stomach. Something just doesn't feel right. You don't have peace about it. This is especially important when it comes to relationships.
I dated this one guy who checked all the boxes. Christian - check. Attends church - check. Good job - check. Sense of humor - check. But something didn't feel right. There was a lot of arguing over stupid stuff. I couldn't put my finger on it, even when he wanted to put at $36k ring on it. Then one Christmas, it all became crystal clear. He wasn't the person he was pretending to be. I broke it off before the New Year because once I am clear, I take prompt action.
The wait answer is harder to accept, because we want things NOW. Things don't fall into place. There are setbacks and delays, but you still sense in your spirit that the answer is not no. So keep being obedient. Keep doing the right thing until the path opens. It can take years but it is important to keep being obedient even when we don't see our prayers answered.
What decision do you need to make right now? What are you feeling in your spirit? Are you feeling a check or a green light so to speak ? These steps will guide you into making the right decision.
For more on how to develop this skill and 9 other skills for spiritual growth, order your copy of my newest book, Ignite the Power Within: 10 steps to supercharge your spiritual growth".
Stay tuned and until next time,
Keep looking up!
Ariel Paz
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