Making Important Decisions

While I was at NEEC, I walked around and saw lots of those brochures and leaflets near the reception desk where one of them caught my eyes (apart from food stuff) - "The Word For Today". It's the Spring 2010 edition covering March to April, printed (I think) by the UCB (United Christian Broadcasters). Monday 1st February (which was long time ago): topic is on "Making Important Decisions". So I thought to share it here because at this time of year, many people, including myself, could be at the crossroads making decisions. Decisions that can be small, but could have significant impact on our future directions.

"The Lord directs the steps of the godly..." [Psalm 37:23 NLT]

There are three considerations to bear in mind when making important decisions.

1) Beware of 'people pressure'.

Facing 30 000 Philistine chariots, and Samuel the prophet not around to offer the required sacrifice to God ensuring their victory, King Saul decided to usurp the prophet's office and offer his own sacrifice instead. When Samuel showed up a week later and demanded an explanation, Saul said, 'The Philistines will now come down on me...I felt compelled...' [1 Samuel 13:12 NKJV]. He gave in to 'people pressure'. Samuel said to Saul, 'You have done foolishly...now your kingdom shall not continue...' [1 Samuel 13:13-14 NKJV].

God's will must be done God's way, so wait for His instructions and don't rush ahead of Him.

2) Make sure the timing is right.

God says, '...I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it...' [Revelation 3:8 NKJV].

When you open a door you have to work to keep it open, but when God opens it, 'no one can shut it'. You don't have to manipulate anybody or anything - you can just walk in.

3) Remember the 'restraint and release' principle.

Paul's missionary team tried to go to two different cities, '...but the Spirit did not permit them' [Acts 16:7 NKJV].

Have you ever tried to teach a teenager to drive? What's the first thing you teach them about - the accelerator or the brakes? The brakes! If they're not interested, take your car keys back; they're obviously not ready to drive.

As you get to know God better you'll discover that He guides by the 'restraint and release' principle: the brakes and the accelerator. That's how it works when your steps are directed by the Lord.

Reflection: Learn to seek the Lord for direction before making decisions. Trust in Him. "For I know the plans I have for you. declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. [Jer 29:11-12]. (Thanks Vincent for this verse!)