Have trouble making decisions? How about big decisions? How about big money decisions? I know I do. Especially now that I am in retirement and these decisions really count. What about you? How are you with making big decisions?
Personal Story
This week I needed to make a big financial decision. I researched for days. I spoke to multiple financial planners at multiple companies. This morning, I had had it. I said a short prayer "I am going to make this decision today. Lord, please give me wisdom about this." As I sat down at my computer, my Garmin smartwatch gave me this message "Trust in yourself". I knew it was from God. Picked up the phone and called the retirement company and spoke with a very patient young man, named Mark, who apparently could tell I was distraught with the complexity of the decision. "I'm here to make sure you are happy with whatever decision you choose. Take all the time you need." Wow. That was what I needed to hear. The tears from the stress of the week welled up and I had to take a moment. God sees all, friend. Every situation. Every decision. Every dilemma. Every hurt. His word says "He has captured all your tears in a bottle," (Ps. 56:8).
1. Involve God in the Process
It is normal to go about decision-making on our own but the
Bible exhorts us to get wise counsel. It also tells us to involve God in our decision-making process. Sometimes I wait too long to do this. God sees the bigger picture. He sees the future. With the complexity of life these days, we need all the help we can get. I've known too many people who have gone off on big adventures and not consulted the Lord about it, and failed miserably.
2. Wait for Peace
Another tip is to wait till you have peace about the decision. If you don't have enough information, get it. Of course, there is such a thing as overanalyzing, which I am probably guilty of, too. But anyway. Ask as many questions as you need to get to a place of peace. If you don't have peace about something, pause and wait for further direction. God may be working something else out for you.
3. Watch for the Stop Sign
Stop signs are those warning signals we get that give us a check in our spirits. Like when I went out on a second date with a guy who accused me of wanting something more than tennis lessons from the instructor I had just won a free lesson from. I should have ditched him right there and then, but no, I overrode my intuition and my anger, and gave him a second chance. Folks, don't do this. Pay attention to your intuition and your gut. It is a gift from God to help guide us.
If you have a strong negative emotional reaction to a situation, it is a stop sign.
4. Proceed with Caution
In my book, "
The Power of Faith", I share the story of buying my first house on my own. I checked in with God every step of the way. When the buyer offered me a lower price. When another buyer wanted me to lower the price because he couldn't get financing. When the deal fell through after the inspection. I kept asking "Lord, do you want me to sell the house? If not, I will take it off the market." The answer was always yes, proceed to the Promised Land.
Folks, there will always be obstacles along the way when making big decisions. The key is to use
discernment as to which is a stop sign and which is just an obstacle to overcome. I hope this blog post has given you some insight on how to make better decisions.
For Reflection
Are you facing a big decision now? Have you taken it to the Lord? Have you been quiet enough to hear his answer? Are you paying attention to any stop signs that have shown up along the way? Do leave a comment and let us know.
If you enjoyed this post, become a member of our community by entering your email address in the box provided. You'll receive my free e-guide "
7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path". It may be time to switch you never know.
Also, follow me on your favorite social media platform.
Stay tuned for more to help you ignite the power within and discover YOUR destiny!
Keep looking up!
No comments:
Post a Comment