Decision Making
And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. - (Colossians 3:15)
While God speaks to us first and foremost through His Word, God also can speak to us through circumstances. Having said that, I also want to say that I don’t base my decisions on circumstances alone.
We talk figuratively about doors being opened, but God is not the only one who can open doors. When Jonah disobeyed God, he bought a fare on a boat that was going in the opposite direction. The devil opened all the doors for Jonah’s disobedience. So just because things are coming together circumstantially, don’t base your decision on that.
First, what you are considering needs to be scriptural. It shouldn’t violate any clear biblical principles. Then, I believe that if it is God’s will, He will confirm it circumstantially. So you need to trust the Lord to direct you.
The apostle Paul was stopped by both shipwreck and sickness. So there will be times when God will close a door. The car won’t start, so our plans change. But we also want to be very careful. We should never make a decision on a circumstance like that.
Secondly, it is important to have the peace of God in your heart. Colossians 3:15 says, “Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.” There have been times when I am about to do something that I don’t have peace about. Circumstantially it looks good. I can’t see it violating any Scriptural principles. But there is a sense that I should not do it. I have learned to listen to that.
Finally, sometimes it is as simple as the timing. Just as important as the will of God is the timing of God. So as you seek God’s will, if the request is right and the timing is right and you are right, then God will say go.
Summary sentence: Circumstances without peace should never dictate you decision-making.
Tags: Bible, trust, decision-making, peace
Copyright © 2012 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
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You can receive a copy of Power in Prayer by Andrew Murray, in appreciation for your gift to Harvest this month. It is my prayer that it will help you learn how to pray more effectively…and that you will commit to praying for Harvest America.” —Greg
