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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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)
Comments will be approved before showing up.
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
by Elizabeth George February 07, 2023
by Elizabeth George January 31, 2023
I know from personal experience that living a life of prayer is not easy. Our lives are filled with a multitude of activities that tend to crowd out time for prayer. How many times have you been guilty of telling someone that you would pray for them? Your heart genuinely yearned to be a part of bringing their need before the throne of God. And then what happened? I’m sure that, if you’re like me, more times than you would like to admit, you forgot about the promise to pray before you rounded the corner of the church building! Why? Because you didn’t write the request down.
by Elizabeth George January 24, 2023 1 Comment
Paul knew the importance of strategic prayer in his own life and the lives of others. And he knew what to pray for. His prayers focused on spiritual issues. He knew that if those he was praying for were spiritually mature, they could handle anything.
Carmel Gardner
September 07, 2021
Good morning Elizabeth, Thank you so much for your email this morning; The photo of Jesus as “servant” was so inspiring. Jesus is our Saviour and King and He showed us how to be a servant. And the message of one decision at at time is so helpful. May God bless you and your family.