Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 3:01 — 4.1MB)
PROGRAM D-7707
How can we, as Christ-followers, find real guidance from God when we’re facing tough decisions? Of course, sometimes our decision is black and white because God’s Word is very clear.
A friend was telling me that some years ago that his friend was thinking of going into business with a non-believer, and my friend advised him not to do it, because God’s Word says not to be yoked together with unbelievers, and certainly a legal business partnership is a yoke. But he went ahead and did it anyway, and a couple of years later, the business was bankrupt because his partner used unethical business practices. His friend lost a lot of money, and then he recognized the mistake he made to ignore God’s clear guidance in the Bible.
Psalm 19:8 tells us that “The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.”
It’s a very wonderful and special experience when you go to God’s Word and look for his guidance. That word becomes personal and special to you—as though it was put there just for you for whatever you’re facing. It really is an “ah-ha” moment as you realize that God has taken his Word and spoken to you personally through it.
I want to point out four specific Scripture passages that tell us how to approach a tough decision. There are many others, but these will get you started on the right path. Here’s the first verse we need to heed.
- James 1:5: If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
This is where you begin every time you face a tough decision. You ask God to give you wisdom. Let me ask you: Do you often pray for wisdom? Why wouldn’t you take advantage of this wonderful provision God offers to you—wisdom given generously? So, just take God at his word and pray for wisdom.
I’m convinced God answers this prayer. I remember facing a tough decision unexpectedly and having to make it at once. I did, and it turned out to be a very good decision instead of one of my usual hasty blunders. And then it dawned on me. Well, duh! You prayed for wisdom and God gave it to you. So that is step one.