How should I make a big decision?

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 NIV

 Let’s begin with three statements we might hear at a college graduation from a “very important” speaker. Analyze these statements with me:

1. Not realizing what you want is a problem of knowledge.
2. Not pursuing what you want is a problem of motivation.
3. Not achieving what you want is a problem of persistence.

What is the one common thread in each of those statements? It is the word “you.” Look again at those three statements and identify the missing word in each of those three statements. It is God. Shouldn’t God be part of those statements? Absolutely. Because God is no dummy, right?

Let’s change one word in those three statements and read them again.

1. Not realizing what God wants is a problem of knowledge.
2. Not pursuing what God wants is a problem of motivation.
3. Not achieving what God wants is a problem of persistence.

Do you want what you want or do you want what God wants? Let’s paraphrase it another way. Do you want what a dummy like you wants, or do you want what the wisest Being in all the universe wants? Who do you think will make the better decision, a dummy like you (and me) or an all-wise God who has never yet made a single mistake? Obviously, God will always make the better decision, but He is usually not part of the decision-making process. 

Decision-making is very important because my decision affects not only me, but also my family as well as everyone around me. I need to make absolutely certain I make the right decision because my decision impacts so many people.

So, the #1 thing I must do is bring God into the decision-making process, and base my decision on what is pleasing to the Lord

Tom Swartzwelder was born again at the age of nine in an old-fashioned revival meeting. Tom received his B.A. from Tennessee Temple University and his M. Div from Luther Rice Seminary. He

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