End the Torment of Indecision! Learn to Make Wise Decisions!

Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt

Do you ever have to make a decision? Obviously the answer is yes! Are some of them important? Again, of course! Do you ever have to make life-changing decisions, such as who you’re going to marry, or where you’re going to live, or if you should switch jobs or take this new job? Decision-making is a part of our everyday life.

The majority of our decisions fall in the category of things like What am I going to wear? or What should I make for dinner? or What should I order off the menu? In other words, most decisions are inconsequential and aren’t going to cause a dilemma or a crisis so we shouldn’t lose any sleep over them. But other decisions are life-changing and do have consequences and it’s sometimes so very difficult to know what to do.

I remember a time when I was facing a life-changing decision. I had sought God about it and honestly, He made it easy to know what to do. But, my flesh wanted to do something else. Instead of just yielding to what I knew the Lord wanted me to do, I kept thinking about the decision my flesh wanted me to make. I actually spend months tormenting myself over what the Lord was trying to make easy. When we live in indecision, it truly is tormenting! Why? James 1:8 says, “…a double-minded man is unstable in all he does.”

One day the Lord spoke to me in my indecisiveness and said, It’s up to you to stop this double-minded thinking. Rest in the decision I’ve told you to make and cast down any other thoughts regarding it and you’ll be happy and move forward again. Then He reminded me of 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NKJV) that says, “Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” This is talking about the battle of the mind and how to win it. You stick with what God is telling you to do and shut down and cast out any other thoughts about it 100%. I knew I had to do this and be committed to the right decision. When I did, peace came quickly and my joy, and excitement returned and I was no longer distracted.

Decision making is a part of life so let me bring you a wonderful thought to meditate on. God is never surprised. Never! He knows every decision you will ever make—good or bad, before you make it! He wants to help you make the right decisions that will keep you in His perfect will and blessings and so the Lord is trying always to influence your heart to make good and godly decisions. But, He has given you a free will. You are not a puppet and He does not control you! He will allow you to shut him out and make wrong decisions. He doesn’t want that but He will allow it. That’s why you are going to have to seek Him and yield to His will, not your fleshly desires.

Ephesians chapter 1 tells us that before God created the world, He declared that He wanted you to receive Jesus as your Savior and live for Him. 2 Timothy 1:9 (NIV) says, “…who has saved us and called us to a holy life–not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF TIME.”

God had a plan to lead you before He began creating the world! Wow! When you know that, then you can trust that He is and wants to lead you in every step! He wants to lead you in a life of purpose, significance, and influence for Him. Those are all choices you have to make, but He will help you make them if you look to Him. James 1:5 (NLT) says, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”

Being double-minded will torment you! Asking God to help lead you to make right and godly decisions is something He delights in doing and wants you to seek Him for. The primary way God speaks to you is through His word. That can be in many settings and sources such as your personal Bible reading time, your Pastor preaching and teaching, your small group with friends, through counsel from wise people you know and trust, or God bringing a verse to your heart and speaking to you through it. There are many ways God will get His wisdom to us but it will always be rooted in the scriptures—God’s word! When you are seeking and praying and He shows you, be committed to it. Second guessing yourself will torment you but trusting Him will lead you to the right place. Remember, He knows the outcome of the future and every decision will get you to the right place even if it initially takes you through a few scary valleys! God knows what He is doing. The power of the promise of wisdom and guidance is triggered by the commitment of your faith to trust how God leads you! Come to the place in your life where you want God’s ways more than your own.

In closing, know that He wants and knows what is best for you. He will make your life significant, blessed, and more joyful! Don’t be double-minded. Ask and trust Him as He leads you and you’ll experience much more peace and end the torment of indecision!

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.”

In His love,
Pastor Tim Burt

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