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Have you ever been in a position where you had a major decision to make and didn’t know what to do? I am sure we have all found ourselves in this spot at one point or another. Should I pursue this new job or stay in my current one? Should I move to this house in the city or that house in the country? Should I marry or date this person? As believers, we should strive to honor the Lord, seek his will in these matters, and follow where he leads. But how do we know what his will is? How do we know which decision is the right one? Here are several questions to consider when making an important decision:

First, what does God’s word say? God’s sovereign will of direction is often hidden from us, but God’s revealed will for our lives is given to us through his word. In the bible, we might not find exact instructions regarding which choice to make, but in making a decision, we must examine if what we are doing is in line with what God has made clear in his commands. For example, when deciding whether or not to pursue a romantic relationship, God’s word doesn’t say, “choose this person” or “that person is the one.” However, the scripture does say, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14).” Therefore, we must be obedient to what God has already commanded in his word.

Second, what do other people say? Proverbs 12:15 says, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” God can most certainly speak to us through the wisdom and advice of trusted friends. When you are confused and struggling to know what to do, ask someone else, “what do you think? Do you think this new job or new move is the right fit for me? How would you handle this if you were in my shoes?” Thankfully, we are not alone in this life, we are surrounded by people who love and care about us, and we can lean into their wisdom to help guide our decision-making process.

Third, will making this decision help you to grow in holiness and in your walk with Christ, or will it lead you into sin? When I was in college, I took a job that I really enjoyed, and the work was rewarding, but I was working extremely long hours and had to work on Sundays. I was cut off from my family and my church, and I started to backslide in my walk because I was neglecting community and accountability with other believers. I ended up leaving that job because it was not healthy for me, even though I enjoyed the work. It is important to consider these things when making a big decision. Will this new job, or a new house, cause me to be cut off from my Christian community or influence me towards sin in other ways? Or will I have a greater opportunity to worship and glorify God?

Fourth, what are your motives? Are you doing this for your own personal gain, or are you seeking God’s will in this matter and wanting to do what will glorify him the most? Are you making this decision to avoid conflict somewhere else, out of envy or jealousy, or are you doing this because you truly believe this is the path that God desires for you to take? Proverbs 16:9 says, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Therefore, when making a decision, we must examine whether our heart is in the right place and if we are attempting to plan our own path or truly trusting and leaning on the Lord and seeking his will.

Last, the best way to know the will of the Lord is to walk in step with him and follow after him with your whole heart. Psalm 37:23 says, “The steps of a man are established by the Lord when he delights in his way.” When we delight in the Lord and grow in our relationship with him, he will clarify the paths we are to take as we continue in constant communion with him. Paul said it this way in Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” We begin to understand God’s will for our lives once we put our lives under his authority and yield every aspect of ourselves to him to be used for his glory.