Making decisions can be difficult, but when we trust in God and seek His guidance, the process becomes much easier. Here are some steps to help you make decisions that align with God's will:
Begin with prayer - Start by committing the decision to prayer and framing your attitude in trust and obedience. Remember that God has your best interest in mind, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11, "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."
Define the decision - Determine if the decision involves a moral or non-moral area. If it's a moral area, you will likely find clear direction in God's Word. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path."
Be ready to accept and obey God's answer - Make sure your will is fully submitted to God's, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."
Exercise faith - Remember that decision making is a process that takes time and requires faith, as stated in Hebrews 11:6, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
Seek concrete direction - Gather information by researching what the Bible says about the situation and gaining practical and personal knowledge.
Obtain counsel - In difficult decisions it's wise to get spiritual and practical counsel from the godly leaders in your life. A pastor, elder, parent, or simply a mature believer can often contribute important insight, answer questions, remove doubts and confirm inclinations. Make sure to choose individuals who will offer sound biblical advice and not just say what you want to hear. Proverbs 15:22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. (NIV)
Make a list - First write down the priorities you believe God would have in your situation. These are not the things that are important to you, but rather the things that are most important to God in this decision. Will the outcome of your decision draw you closer to God? Will it glorify him in your life? How will it impact those around you?
Weigh the decision - Make a list of the pros and cons connected with the decision. You may find that something on your list clearly violates the revealed will of God in his Word. If so, you have your answer. This is not his will. If not, then you now have a realistic picture of your options to help you make a responsible decision.
Choose your spiritual priorities - By this time you should have enough information to establish your spiritual priorities as they relate to the decision. Ask yourself which decision best satisfies those priorities? If more than one option will fulfill your established priorities, then choose the one which is your strongest desire! Sometimes God gives you a choice. In this case there is no right and wrong decision, but rather a freedom from God to choose, based on your preferences. Both options are within God's perfect will for your life and both will lead to the fulfillment of God's purpose for your life.
Act on your decision - If you have arrived at your decision with the sincere intention of pleasing the heart of God, incorporating biblical principles and wise counsel, you can proceed with confidence knowing that God will work out his purposes through your decision. Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose
