Episode 267 - Wise Decision Making

🎙️ Episode 267: Wise Decision Making How to Know if a Decision Lines Up with God’s Will 🎧 OPENING We all have decisions to make: Big ones Small ones Emotional ones Expensive ones 😅 And sometimes decisions that keep us awake at 2 a.m. replaying imaginary conversations. Today we’re talking about: 👉 How do you make a wise decision that truly lines up with God’s will? Not just: “What do I WANT to do?” But: “What would HONOR God?” Inspired by the teaching of Charles Stanley I. IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF These questions become a filter for wise decision-making. 1. Does this fit who I am as a Christian? 📖 Identity matters. If you belong to Christ, every decision reflects that identity. 2. Does this fit God’s overall plan for my life? Sometimes a “good” opportunity is still the wrong direction. 💬 Discuss: calling priorities season of life stewardship 3. Is this decision in agreement with the Word of God? 👉 God’s will ALWAYS matches God’s Word. If Scripture clearly says no… we don’t need to keep praying hoping for a different answer 😅 4. Will this decision honor God? Not: “Can I get away with it?” But: “Does this glorify Him?” 📖 1 Corinthians 10:31 “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 5. Is it a wise decision? What are the consequences? Talk about: short-term emotion vs long-term impact wisdom vs impulse consequences spiritually, emotionally, financially, relationally 6. Can I honestly ask God to enable me to achieve it? That’s such a revealing question. 💬 If we’re embarrassed to pray about it…that tells us something. 7. Do I have genuine peace about this decision? Not excitement. Not adrenaline. Not panic relief. 👉 REAL peace. 8. Will this decision result in unrest and regret for the rest of my life? This is powerful. Talk about: living with integrity future consequences avoiding avoidable regret 9. Can I expect God to reward me for this decision? 📖 God honors obedience. Not always immediately. But always eternally. II. 7 STEPS TO MAKING A DECISION 1. Clear the pathway Confess sin. Remove barriers between you and God. 📖 Psalm 51:10 “Create in me a pure heart, O God…” 💬 Sin clouds discernment. 2. Bring your desires into neutrality Commit yourself to doing God’s will—even if it’s not your preferred outcome. This one is HARD. Because usually we already know what we WANT God to say 😅 3. Be patient and submit to His timing 📖 1 Chronicles 14:14–15 David waited for God’s instruction instead of rushing ahead. 💬 Waiting is not punishment. Waiting is preparation. 4. Be aware of outside pressure Family. Friends. Culture. Social media. Fear of disappointing people. 📖 2 Samuel 7:3 Even good people can sometimes give premature advice. 5. Persist in prayer Not one emotional prayer. 👉 Ongoing prayer. 📖 Philippians 4:6–7 God often clarifies direction through continued communion with Him. 6. Rest in God’s peace 📖 Colossians 3:15 “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…” 📖 Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do… do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus…” 💬 Peace becomes the umpire. Not pressure. Not fear. Not manipulation. 7. WAIT for His Peace III. OBEDIENCE & TRUST Sometimes God’s direction: won’t make sense immediately won’t feel comfortable won’t be the easiest option But obedience and trust go together. 📖 Proverbs 28:26 “He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but he who walks wisely will be delivered.” 📖 Proverbs 3:5–6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” ✨ 3 TAKEAWAYS 1. God is not trying to confuse you He wants to lead you. 2. Peace is often found AFTER surrender Not before. 3. Wise decisions are usually slow decisions Impulsive decisions often create unnecessary pain.