Decision Making in the New Year

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions.

As we begin a new year, there are always new opportunities, challenges and decisions to make in our Family, church, ministry, housing, retirement, job, business, investments, volunteering, education, healthcare, adoption, and any other decisions we are contemplating. As boomers we probably are not thinking about adoption…

Starting the new year without new year resolutions that we soon forget. There is a better way!

Are we making our own decisions or is someone else orchestrating our lives?

As Oswald Chambers states : “The circumstances of a man’s life are ordained by God. In the life of a saint there is no chance. God by His providence brings you into circumstances that you cannot understand at all, but the Spirit of God understands. God brings you to places, among people, and into certain conditions to accomplish a definite purpose through the intercession of the Spirit in you.” 

Planning, Planning, Planning

“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’S purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21

But don’t get hung up on planning…the LORD can intervene at any moment and you can change direction! Keep your ears open!

“You already know the ultimate destination of your journey: your entrance into heaven. So keep your focus on the path just before you, leaving outcomes up to Me” Nov 19th Devotion from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.

“Along with daily decisions, there are defining decisions. We only make a few defining decisions in life, and then we spend the rest of our lives managing them.” Mark Batterson. The Circle Maker. Something to pray about!

A few months ago. I started making a list of some major decisions or “defining Moments” in my life. Things I did that in hindsight had a major influence on my life. I came up with over 50 “defining moments” that had a major influence on my life. I don’t think or remember any prolonged or agonizing times in my life when I experienced these moments or turning points. Most of them were after I turned my life over to the LORD, although there were a few “defining moments” before this. I believe even then, the LORD was leading or guiding me.

If we are Christians and believe in a God who guides us..and that His provision has brought us to this point, we should ask Him to open the doors He wants us to walk through and to give us wisdom in how to proceed. Also, an open door does not necessarily mean God opened it. Food for further thought!

“You already know the ultimate destination of your journey: your entrance into heaven. So keep your focus on the path just before you, leaving outcomes up to Me” Nov 19th Devotion from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.

We often hear the words, luck, fate, and providence.

Theologian Dr. R.C. Sproul. “God’s sovereign providence stands over and above our actions. He works out His will through the actions of human wills, without violating the freedom of those human wills.” 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6 English Standard Version (ESV)

Prayer, Prayer, Prayer!

“Prayer is always life’s greatest time saver. You may be facing a great change or decision that seems overwhelming to you. The LORD knows exactly what you need, and He will always answer your prayers as is absolutely best for you. Therefore, spend time listening to Him, receiving His wisdom and direction, and drinking in His presence and power. Be quiet before Him, rest in Him, and allow Him to order your steps. He will keep you from moving in the wrong direction or wasting time doing useless things.” Charles E. Stanley. Life Principle 27.

Pray, Plan and Prioritize…

Dr. Ben Carson and his book: TAKE THE RISK: Learning to Identify, Choose, and Live with Acceptable Risk. proposed four questions to help us evaluate our decisions in regard to risk. Purely from a secular viewpoint, although Dr. Carson does talk about how God works in our lives if we let him.

Remember to keep praying!

“The trail is long, and we won’t arrive at our destination in this life. Still, we’re on the journey with Jesus for the greatest thrill of our lives.” Zig Ziglar

Going back to a prior post…hopefully if you are considering to start writing a “story” of your life…a few things to think and pray about!

How has God led you in the past?

Start making a list of your “defining moments” in your life.

What is a Defining Moment?

A defining moment in your life is an occasion where your life’s path has undeniably changed.

It could be something that changes within yourself. Maybe you experience and injury or illness that changes your perspective in life.

It could be an external factor like a career or relationship change.

But a defining moment is one of those times that you know you’ll look back on and say “If it weren’t for that, things would be different.”

What major decisions have you made in the past?

Go back to your high school years and progress up to the present.

Make a list of significant events.

I started by making a list of the major volunteer organizations I am or had been a part of going back to high school. Even before I became a believer in the LORD.

They are clues as to the direction of your life based on the major and even minor decisions or defining moments of your life.

The most important decision you will ever make!

Blessings on your journey with the LORD!

If we are “connections“ on LINKEDIN, you can see this same post as an “Article” and you should have received this “post’ a few days ago.