Are you at a crossroads in life or faced with a big decision? Here are 3 things you absolutely must do to help you find clarity and make the right choice.
My husband and I are in the process of making some big decisions. Right now, I can’t share with you what those are, but I thought it might encourage some of you if I at least tell you the process that we’re using as we think through these things.
No matter what choices you’re faced with in your own life, there are three simple things you can do when you’re trying to make a big decision.
1. Stop and pray.
The first thing to do when making a big decision is to pray. Go to the Lord and pray for wisdom and for Him to lead you in the right direction. Give it to the Lord.
Before we start to get stressed out and before we get overwhelmed we need to pray. We may need to pray more than once! We may need to pray multiple times a day…whenever God puts it on your heart or brings it to mind.
My husband and I are doing this constantly right now. We’re asking the Lord to give us wisdom with some of the decisions we’re trying to be faithful in making.
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2. Make a list of pros and cons.
My husband and I are doing this, too. We went on a date night recently to specifically go over some pros and cons of our decisions. We took a notebook with us.
You can do this on a computer, but I’ve found that it helps me to actually write out pros and cons on paper. For instance, if your decision involves finances, write all those variables down so you have the information you need right in front of you.
As you list pros and cons, you’ll probably discover that sometimes there is not one specific “right” answer. But it does bring clarity to see it all on paper.
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3. Seek out wise counsel.
Proverbs 15:22 says “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
I love that verse. I’m a big believer of seeking out wise individuals to help guide you in the decision making process.
For me and my husband, that usually means people who are believers in Jesus and followers of Jesus. And, depending on what decision we are trying to make, we seek out individuals who are wise in the specific areas we’re working on.
If we’re trying to make a financial decision we seek out individuals who are financially wise.
For example, several years ago we were living on a low income. We could barely make ends meet. We sought out two Dave Ramsey-trained individuals who are financial advisers, and they gave us wise counsel during this extremely stressful time in our lives.
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If you’re trying to make a decision that has to do with parenting, pick up the phone and call a wise counselor who is a season further along than you are and that you know to be a very good mom.
I call my mentor Holly all the time. Her kids are all in college now so she has “been there and done that” in the season I’m currently in.
If you are looking for wise counsel for your marriage, seek out someone who has a marriage that you want to emulate.
When you have a big decision to make it’s hard to wait for the answer. Hard to be in that state of “not knowing.”
I completely get it! But please be encouraged: the answer will come in time. Pray, consider the pros and cons, and seek out wise counsel. And once you’ve made your decision, give that, too, to the Lord!
Jean | DelightfulRepast.com
Erin, you can’t go far wrong with a decision-making process like that! Very sensible.
Erin
Thank you, Jean!
Bethany
Saying a prayer for you as you face decisions too that He will guide your steps!
Erin
Thank you so much, Bethany!
Jaime
If only more people would do these three things! Loved your list, Erin. Praying your big decisions go well for you and your family!
Erin
Thanks so much, Jaime!!
Aimee
You make a good point to seek counsel from someone wise in the specific area in which you need advice.