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With shaking hands and a pained heart, I hit the end icon on my cell phone and concluded a life-shattering and life-changing call. One of my brothers had just given me the news that our dad, at age 95, had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and would need nursing care for the final days of his life.
My brothers had all talked and agreed that they could take turns sitting with our dad on the weekends, and maybe I could be there during the week. The only issue with their decision was that I was in California and our dad was in Oklahoma!
I immediately went to my husband, Jim, so we could talk, pray, and weigh the situation. Little did we know my father would live—and suffer—for a year. But, I have no regrets in traveling back and forth to care for my father. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
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. 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)
RESPOND
Dear Lord, thank You for Your wisdom and guidance. Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES
A Woman’s Guide to Making Right Choices—50% OFF! 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
How often do I pause to ask the Lord for His wisdom on a matter?
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)
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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:
How did 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.
