“Success” Is Achieved One Decision at a Time

How did the men and women in the Bible accomplish great things for God? There wasn’t any secret formula or bestselling book on success for them. In fact, they were ordinary people like you and me. What made them effective was their willingness to obey God - one decision at a time.

MAKE A DECISION

Life requires that you make decisions, and obviously there are a variety of levels of decisions to be made. Some simple; others complex. Each and every decision you make, regardless of its level of intensity, can have long-lasting consequences. Your impact on the lives of others - your family, the people at your church, your workmates - is cultivated with each decision you make, no matter how small. If you had to make any of these serious decisions on your own, it could create stress and anxiety.

HELP IN DECIDING

But, praise God, He hasn’t left you without help. He has given you His Word to show you the way as a lamp to your feet and a light to your path (Psalm 119:105). He has also given you spiritually mature Christians in your church who can help provide guidance.

As I look back on other decisions I’ve made, I realize I learned many times the hard way that, when I didn’t pray, seek God’s wisdom, or ask for godly advice, I just about always make wrong decisions.

So, speaking from experience, here are some guiding principles to use before making a decision.

No decision made without prayer (Philippians 4:6-7)

When in doubt, don’t (Romans 14:23)

Always ask “What does the Bible say?” (John 17:17)

Always do what you know is right (James 4:14)

Don’t let fear influence you (1 John 4:18)

Thank the Lord for His wisdom, follow the principles He has provided in His Word, and conquer each day's decisions with the confidence only He can provide.

RESPOND:

Father, may this day be filled with small steps of obedience. I pray that each choice I make today-large or small-will help me influence others for good. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

A Woman’s Guide to Making Right Choices — You’ll love the hundreds of helpful tips and biblical insights in this book―all designed to help you experience greater productivity and spiritual blessing.

REFLECT:

It’s the little things - such as reading your Bible, praying, going to church, and standing up for your faith-that add influence to your life. The key to a powerful Christian life is to obey God one decision at a time.

REMEMBER:

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5)