Mike and I have found ourselves having to make a lot of decisions lately. And to be honest, making lots of big decisions can be frightening and even overwhelming for me.

Many years ago I read an article, I believe it was by Mark Finley, that outlined how to make good decisions based on God’s Word. It was so helpful at that time in my life that I wrote down his suggestions in the back of my Bible. Since then I have referred to it many times and found it very beneficial and comforting in my decision making. Here is what I wrote.

Guidance When Making Decisions

1. God promises wisdom when we ask. (James 1:5)
2. Search your heart for any hidden or known sin which may hinder God from answering your prayers. (Psalm 66:18)
3. Analyze your motives to discover whether what you desire is for God’s glory. (James 4:3)
4. Believe not only that God desires to guide you, but believe He will guide you. (Psalm 32:8; Isaiah 58:11)
5. Discover whether there are any Biblical principles involved in the decision you are going to make. The Bible is a rich source of guidance. God often guides us through His Word. (Psalm 119:10, 11, 105, 133)
6. Seek counsel from godly, Christian counselors who believe in God’s Word. (Proverbs 11:14, 15:22)
7. Watch for providences – divinely ordained circumstances which indicate which way you should go. These “providences” are like signposts helping us in the process of the decision. They do not take the place of God’s Word, sound judgment, or good common sense. They assist us in the decision-making process. (Proverbs 23:26; Ecclesiastes 8:5; Romans 8:28)
8. When you have earnestly prayed about a decision, have consulted God’s Word, thought carefully about it, sought counsel, and watched for providential leadings, make the wisest decision possible believing God Himself is leading you. (Psalm 90:12)

God promises in Isaiah 42:16: “I will bring the blind by a way they did not know, I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, and not forsake them.”

Praising God for His amazing promises and guidance at every turn in each of our lives.

Juanita Edge, Communication Director