6 Things You Need to Know When Facing Tough Decisions
A Sermon on Making Tough Decisions
by Charles G. Moore
1. What does God’s Word say?
The first thing you need to determine in making a decision is, does it line up with what God has already spoken in His Word. If it doesn’t line up, then your decision should be no.
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
Psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
2. Take it to the Lord.
After you have determined that your decision does not contradict the Word of God, the next step is to ask Him. Pray and ask God to lead you in your decision.
1 John 5:14
This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.
3. Listen for God to answer.
Prayer is a conversation between you and God. Many times, we make the mistake of asking God for direction, but we don’t stop and listen for His answer. If you are not listening for God’s answer, then you are not truly asking Him to lead you.
God is not going to yell and scream at you. You must pay attention…He is speaking to you, but He speaks in “a still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12). So, get quiet and listen for His answer.
4. Seek advice from others.
God will also speak to you through other Christians. Seek out counsel from those who love and care for you and that have a strong relationship with God.
Proverbs 15:22
Without consultation, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they succeed.
Proverbs 11:14
Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory.
5. The decision may scare you.
God’s will for our life is rarely comfortable. He will put opportunities in front of us that can be scary and intimidating. We have to remember, that God thinks differently than we do and He knows our true potential far more than we ever could.
Isaiah 55:8-9
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. 9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.
6. Remember God wants the very best for us.
God has a plan for your life and He wants to bless you, give you hope and a wonderful future. He is waiting for you to ask Him, to seek Him with all that you have.
For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.
