How should Christians make big decisions?

How should Christians make big decisions?

Christians should make big decisions by seeking God's will through the Bible, through prayer, and through seeking wise counsel, then trusting God with the outcome (Proverbs 3:5-6). God has already told us His instruction for our lives through Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17). God promises to give wisdom to anyone who asks (James 1:5), and He places godly people around us to help us see clearly (Proverbs 15:22). Once we've done that, we can move forward with confidence, because God is in control of every step that we take (Proverbs 16:9). God's will isn't something that's hidden from us, He leads us, He is faithful, and He will finish what He started in us (Philippians 1:6).

Start With The Bible

The first question to answer for any big decision is to look at what God has already said. Many of life's biggest decisions are settled by Scripture before we even need to deliberate over them. The Bible tells us what is right and what is wrong (Psalm 119:105), and it shapes the character of His people (Romans 12:2). Theologians call this God's revealed will, meaning God has made His will plainly available in the Bible. God has never led anyone into a choice that goes against His Word (Numbers 23:19).

All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

-2 Timothy 3:16-17 CSB

Before you take a job, make a large purchase, or move to a new city, ask whether that decision lines up with what God has already said in Scripture. For example, Scripture tells believers to only marry a believer (2 Corinthians 6:14), to work honestly (Ephesians 4:28), and to stay connected to the local church (Hebrews 10:24-25). Those commands make our life choices clearer.

Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.

-Psalm 119:105 CSB

Pray for Wisdom

God wants us to bring Him our decisions through prayer (Philippians 4:6). Prayer should not be a last resort when we're in a position of desperation, prayer should be woven into the Christian's everyday life and continue constantly (1 Thessalonians 5:17). God promises to give wisdom to those who asks, and He gives it generously.

Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him.

-James 1:5 CSB

Prayer also changes us. As we pray, God works on our hearts, and we will want what He wants (Psalm 37:4). Jesus Himself, facing the most difficult decision in history, prayed for the Father's will above His own (Luke 22:42). The Holy Spirit lives in every believer and guides us into truth (John 16:13), and He uses prayer to bring peace when there is anxiety.

Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

-Philippians 4:6-7 CSB

When a decision lines up with God's Word and has been brought to Him in prayer, we can expect Him to guard our hearts as we move forward.

Seek Wise Counsel

God never meant for us to do life alone. He gave us the church so believers can help one another grow and walk in wisdom (Ephesians 4:11-16). Scripture says wise people listen to counsel, and foolish people trust only themselves (Proverbs 12:15).

Plans fail when there is no counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

-Proverbs 15:22 CSB

Look for mature believers who know God's Word, who know you well, and who will tell you the truth even when it's hard to hear the truth (Proverbs 27:6). That might be your pastor, your small group leader, a trusted fellow church member, or trusted Christian friend. Even the early church made its biggest decisions together as a congregation, seeking the Holy Spirit's leading as a body of believers (Acts 15:8). Wise counsel helps us see blind spots, slow down, and move forward when we're feeling stuck.

Trust God With The Outcome

After we've searched the Scriptures, prayed, and sought wise counsel, we can make a decision and trust God with it. Sometimes we're given two good options, and both honor God. In those moments, we're free to choose either (Galatians 5:13). God doesn't leave His children guessing, afraid that one wrong step will ruin His plan for them. God is sovereign and in complete control over all things, including our own steps (Psalm 115:3).

A person’s heart plans his way, but the LORD determines his steps.

-Proverbs 16:9 CSB

This truth gives the Christian freedom and rest. God is always faithful and He will always provide for us (Matthew 6:31-33). Even when a decision turns out harder than we expected, God is working everything together for good (Romans 8:28). This doesn't mean every choice will lead to comfort and excess, but it means that God will use every one of our life's circumstances to make us more like Christ (Romans 8:29).

How to Apply This to Your Life

If you're facing a big decision right now, start by opening your Bible and asking what God has already said about it (Psalm 119:105). Then bring it to God in prayer, honestly and transparently, and ask Him for wisdom. Talk with a few mature Christians at your church and ask them to pray with you (Proverbs 11:14). Write down what you're hearing from Scripture and from wise counsel. Then make the decision and keep walking with God (Proverbs 3:5-6).

It's easy to be afraid of making a wrong decision. Many Christians freeze up, waiting for a sign before they'll make a decision. But God has promised to lead those who are seeking Him (Psalm 32:8). Our job is to put Him first. His job is to direct our steps.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.

-Matthew 6:33 CSB

God has given us everything we need to walk in His will, and He is faithful to guide us every step of the way. When we seek God through His Word, prayer and wise counsel, we're putting our trust in Him, and we can be confident that He will make our paths straight.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight.

-Proverbs 3:5-6 CSB