God please show me what decision to make! I don't know what to do!
Recently our family was in a position where some big upcoming decisions needed to be made. Individually and collectively my husband, Russell, and I have both made considerably sizeable decisions regarding our life journey. The one approaching for us was an interstate move.
Initial responses
Initially when these decisions are formulating, the first response people might have is excitement, closely followed by trepidation, adrenalin rushes and stress induced by the potential process ahead.
Most Christians add in some extra concerns. Am I doing what God wants me to do? Am I going where God wants me to go? Am I staying within His will by making this decision?
Theories for making decisions
In the past I generally went with the 'fleece theory'. That is, put the idea before God and wait for confirmation. Through other people or magical keywords in the Bible I would declare God was giving me an indication of His desire for me.
I would see weird and obscure signs backing up my desires, or I'd acknowledge signs simply to get some kind of direction happening. Fleece theory isn't a wholly stupid idea, but I think this method had a lot of my own determined willpower involved.
Shalom (Peace) and union
Another great way to make decisions is to consider peace as the indicator—knowing that Jesus's life, and the Bible, shines a message of peace and grace.
A verse in the book of Colossians says, 'and let the shalom which comes from the Messiah be your heart's decision-maker, for this is why you were called to be part of a single Body.' Also mentioned in the book of Philippians, 'Then God's shalom, passing all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with the Messiah Yeshua (Jesus).'
I specifically love the Philippians verse and how it points out that we are in union with Jesus. That's amazing within itself!
Norman Grubb points out in his book, 'Life isn't an external relationship ... life's an internal relationship. Life isn't separation ... it's union.'
In the book of 1 Corinthians and also in the book of Philippians it mentions that through our spiritual transformation and union we are given the mind of Christ. Another mind-blowing fact!
Freaking out but still peaceful
When Russ said he wanted to marry me, I freaked out. But it was a peaceful freak out. I had knowledge and peace in my heart that this was the man I was going to marry.
The freak out came from analysing the changes ahead in my life. What will change? What will I have to do to get there? Pack up a house? Change jobs? Change my lifestyle? Share my house? Share my life? Share my bed?!
Confidence for the future
With the peace God gives me, my Christ-like mind and my eternal union with Christ, I have confidence that the decisions I make will be guided by a loving and wonderful God who loves me and will be with me wherever I go.
I would suggest that we see decisions differently to God. Perhaps we think if things are going well then obviously it was the right decision and it was His Will for my life.
On the opposite side, we think if things are falling apart, relationships breakdown, jobs don't work out or we have a tough time that we made a wrong decision. Subconsciously I think this flies through our minds amongst the turmoil of things not going to plan. As a knee jerk reaction we put emotional distance between us and the God who adores us unconditionally.
I can make decisions
According to a verse in 2 Peter, God's divine power has given me everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of the one who called me by his own glory and excellence.
When Russ and I were friends prior to our 'falling in love' he shared this verse with me. It has never left me. And now Russ and I walk this journey together, discovering the fullness of what that really means. It's extraordinary.
After the dust settles on a new and potential idea or life decision, see where you are at. Do you feel at peace? If you have a partner/spouse, do they feel at peace? Be honest about your fears and needs with the significant people in your life. Don't hide from those. Commit it all to God's hands and make the best decision for you and your family (if you have one). It may take some time. Each individual is important in the decision.
We have a God who is loving and good. And this God will be with you wherever you go.
Belinda Croft has been writing for Press Service International since 2010. She lives a gypsy life with her husband Russell and their three children and will settle somewhere in Queensland at some point. Her passion for understanding the things of God in simple ways, social justice and current news influence her writing style.
Belinda Croft's previous articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/belinda-croft.html
