Imagine this scene. It is the middle of winter, freezing temperatures and the glitter of ice and snow blanket the landscape. It is picturesque, but after days of being trapped inside you begin to go a little stir-crazy. The first day that the temperature rises and the sun appears, you decide it’s time to venture out and make a trip to the grocery store. You bundle up, grab the spouse and head out the door into a serene winter wonderland. That is until your world changes in a split second. Beauty turns into terror when you come around a sharp bend in the road and careen directly into the path of a fallen power line that then becomes entangled under your car!
What do you do? You are trapped, you panic and freeze in a moment of fear. But, make no mistake, a choice must be made- do you stay in the car and pray it doesn’t explode or do you get out and risk being shocked or electrocuted?
How do you make this life-or-death decision?
Scary to imagine, isn’t it?
I knew a couple that faced this very scenario. Unfortunately, their decision didn’t prove to be wise.
It's tragic because if you interviewed them about that fateful day, they would never once tell you that God was part of their decision-making process.
Big mistake- huge.
Life is filled with choices, decisions that have to be made every single day. Some small and others life-altering.
I believe that regardless of the magnitude of choice- there is one constant that should always be considered.
God.
Whether you are sitting in an electrified car or trying to decide on where you should move after college, God should always be part of the equation. (Obviously, some decisions are urgent and others you have time to mull over, but the process can still be the same.)
Assess the Situation
What is going on- can you see the entire picture and are you able to assess the different perspectives? Do you have all the facts and know your real motives? Or are you falling prey to wishful thinking or emotions? Never allow fear to be your motivator.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” ~ 2 Timothy 1:7
Be Still & Pray
Tune out distractions and tune into God. What does God have to say on the matter? If you ask God will answer.
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding.” ~Proverbs 2:6
Call for Help
Yes, sometimes you need to dial 911. People are critical because God speaks and works through them. Seeking advice & help from people that you know have experience, and the gift of wisdom is a valuable tool. You may not like what they have to say but, it might just be the right answer at the right time. Their assistance could be life-saving!
“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.” ~Proverbs 19:20
Narrow Your Options
Have you explored your options and narrowed them down to the best ones? Have you weighed the possible outcome and does it honor God and His will for your life or will it only be self-serving?
“The naïve believes everything, but the prudent man considers his steps.” ~Proverbs 14:15
Take Action
You can’t make a decision or choice without actually making it! Sitting on the fence is still a choice, but it doesn’t get you anywhere. God expects action in our lives. Even when the decision is frightening and could be life-altering, God wants you to trust in Him and take that leap of faith. Make a decision!
“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” ~Psalm 9:30
Give Thanks
Be thankful to God in ALL things. No matter the outcome God is still in control and can use all things for His purpose.
“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.” ~Romans 8:28
Involve God in ALL of your choices- no matter the size. Having Him in the process will always be shockingly good!
Father, thank you that you are ever present and want to be involved in all our choices and decisions. Nothing is too minor for you to consider and nothing is too overwhelming that you can't handle and resolve. In fact, nothing in all of creation can separate us from your love, and we are so grateful that we can call upon your name in any situation.
“We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy.” ~ Daniel 9:18