Decision Making

th

Knowing and Doing the Will of God

Dr. Lewis Gregory

     Ever since that initial decision by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, people have been faced with the challenges of decision-making. One obvious fact, which came out of the garden experience, is that people are incapable of making the right decisions. And yet, making the right decisions is the essential precursor to right living. So, what’s a person to do?

     At least 2 things are necessary to making the right decisions. The first thing is a valid set of guidelines. This should form the basis of all decision making. The best set of guidelines is The Holy Bible. Through it, God reveals the quality of life He has for us, and the way we are to live. The Holy Bible is God’s standard by which we should conduct our lives. But such profound guidelines require a guide.

     Thus, a guide is the second prerequisite to right decision-making. Therefore, God graciously sent the Holy Spirit to all who would accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. When we do, we are born of the Spirit (John 3:5-7). The Holy Spirit indwells us in order to lead us and guide us. “He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). The Holy Spirit acts as our instructor. We are blessed with a twenty-four hour tutor! “He shall teach you all things” (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit not only instructs us, but also He empowers us to accomplish the task. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you” (Acts 1:8). Therefore, you are well equipped for making right decisions, and living life!

     So, how should you proceed when faced with difficult decisions? Because you are a Christian, you want to make the right decisions. This is indicative of your new nature in Christ. However, even though you sincerely want to do right, you may still find yourself in a quandary. Therefore, several things should be taken into prayerful consideration.

  1. Give up – In order to go God’s way, you must first give up your carnal way of thinking, and cease from all your fleshly efforts. “For to be carnally minded is death” (Romans 8:6). “For he that has entered into His rest, has also ceased from his own works” (Hebrews 4:10).
  1. Yield – Be sure that you are completely yielded to the Lordship of Christ. “Yield yourselves unto God” (Romans 6:13).
  1. Filled – Allow the Holy Spirit to so control your life that He can accomplish His purposes through you. “Be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18).
  1. Know the facts – Gather all the pertinent facts in order to know what is required of you. “Count the cost” (Luke 14:28).
  1. Peace of God – Trust the Lord to give you an inner peace about the right decision. “Let the peace of God rule in you” (Colossians 3:15).
  1. Confirmation, God’s Word – Ask the Lord to confirm His will by giving you a specific verse of Scripture. “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16).
  1. Confirmation, godly counsel – Seek godly counsel for an additional confirmation. “In a multitude of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14).
  1. Act decisively – Step out in bold faith with the confidence that the Lord will bring it to pass. The Lord will make a way. The Lord will provide. “He… will perform it” (Philippians 1:6).
  1. Wait expectantly – After you have entrusted your concerns to the Lord, and after you have obeyed the Lord by taking the practical action steps, it may be necessary to simply wait patiently upon the Lord. “You have need of patience, that after you have done the will of God, you might receive the promise” (Hebrews 10:36). Patience involves giving God time to work out the details in His time, and in His way. In Habakkuk 2:3, we are told that even though the vision tarries, wait for it, because it will surely come to pass!

     God knows exactly what you need. He will lead you to make the right decisions. He promises to order your steps if you will let Him (Psalm 37:23). I pray that as you seek His guidance, you will hear Him say, “This is the way; walk in it.” And with His guidance, you will make the right decisions!

Dr. Lewis Gregory Source Ministries © 1990

7 Responses to “Decision Making”

  1. Dan Pelton Says:

    5 / 29 / 2012
    Thank You Lewis for responding to my email I received alot of in put from the scriptures and your insights, as to knowing God’s will and making decessions according to god’s word. And also by being lead by the Holy Spirit and by seeking godly counsel. I’ve been talking to Roger Alford alot about doing things Gog’s way, I have also been talking to some of the elders in church and having them pray for me as well as the whole congregation at Faithfellowship Church at Hanston, Kansas.

    Sincerely Yours,

    Dan Scott Pelton “in His service”

    • Lewis Gregory Says:

      Great news! Thanks for sharing. The Lord promises that when you seek Him you will find Him. As you trust Him and follow His leading, He will lead you in the path of righteousness-the right path for you. Matthew 6:33

  2. Ana Castro Says:

    Excelente reflexão sobre crivar na precisão do Nosso Deus, o que desejamos deve estar sintonizado nos planos do Altíssimo,as nossas expectativas elas têm que caminhar de acordo com à vontade do Pai.
    “Toda arma forjada contra ti não prosperará;toda língua que ousar contra ti em juízo, tu a condenarás; esta é a herança dos servos do SENHOR e o seu direito que de mim procede, diz o SENHOR.”(Isaías 54.17)

  3. Dawn Freeman Says:

    Great information! It’s very timely and relevant. It will greatly help in the decision-making process for any current, pending, or future decision that we have to make in life. Thanks for sharing it, Lewis!

  4. SermonIndex Says:

    Appreciate your writing ministry brother, glad to see so many nations visiting the website and being impacted by the simple truths of God’s Word shared.


Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. […] And when you are at an impasse, or facing difficult decisions consider the following: Decision Making-Knowing and Doing God’s Will […]

  2. […] teaching on Decision Making/Knowing and Doing the Will of God might also be very […]