Decision making

In 1980 a book entitled, “Decision making and the will of God” hit the shelves. It created quite a stir by challenging the status quo.

The traditional view of God’s will is that He has an exciting plan for your life. This includes all the big decisions. Who you will marry. What career path you will follow. What house you will live in.

Unfortunately, many christians have found this a burden rather than a blessing. Too many people feel the need to justify major decisions. For example, a particular house may come on the market in unusual circumstances. A newspaper article that falls into a lap and a career goes in a different direction.

Sometimes I wonder what people must think of God. Is he a teacher who is willing to fail a struggling student? Is he a tyrant who punishes careless citizens?

There are two principles to remember.

Firstly, God is calling believers out of the world and preparing them to inherit His kingdom. This involves times of hardship. The school of hard knocks provides a quality education. So learn how to make good decisions about the life you will live. Live as citizens of a kingdom where each person is valued and unconditionally loved by the King.

Secondly, God will answer your questions. You can ask him, “Is this a good idea?” It may take time. Jeremiah had to wait 10 days for an answer. God will not hold a gun against your head and say “I absolutely forbid it.”

However, he will tell you the truth.

For example, the woman you love may not be the best person to raise your children. The man you want to go into business with may not be honest. A career on the mission field may leave you emotionally traumatised.

God will show you if you are willing to wait.

That’s the problem. I am not good at waiting. But faith is the ability to wait. Waiting is good for you.

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isa. 40:31)