Six Steps for Biblical Decision-Making by Rick Warren

“A man is a fool to trust himself! But those who use God’s wisdom are safe” (Proverbs 28:26 TLB).

God gave Moses the dream of leading the children of Israel out of 400 years of slavery, but Moses had to make the decision to confront Pharaoh. God gave Noah the dream of saving the world from the flood, but Noah had to make the decision to build the ark. God gave Abraham the dream of building a new nation, but Abraham had to make the decision to leave everything he had and go out into the unknown.

Just like these men, you will never realize God’s dream for your life until you come to the stage of decision-making and step out in faith.

Whether it’s about your career, marriage, finances, health, or children, there is a simple, workable plan for making biblical decisions that will keep you on track toward pursuing God’s dream for your life.

1. Pray for guidance.

Before you do anything else, get God’s perspective on the issue. “A man is a fool to trust himself! But those who use God’s wisdom are safe” (Proverbs 28:26 TLB).

2. Get the facts.

There is no contradiction between faith and fact. Find out everything you can before you make a decision. Proverbs 13:16a says, “All who are prudent act with knowledge” (NIV).

3. Ask for advice.

Talk to somebody who’s made a similar decision and to friends who know your weaknesses. “The more good advice you get, the more likely you are to win” (Proverbs 24:6b GNT).

4. Calculate the cost.

Every decision has a price tag; it will cost you time, money, energy, reputation, talents, and resources. Proverbs 20:25 says, “It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows” (NIV). When people pressure you to make a decision, it’s okay to say, “I’ll get back to you.” It’s more important to make a wise decision than a quick decision.

5. Prepare for problems.

In faith, expect the best. Expect God to work in your life. But also prepare for the problems that are part of every decision. Solomon said in Proverbs 22:3, “A prudent man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences” (TLB).

6. Face your fears.

Perfectionism paralyzes potential. God has always used imperfect people in imperfect situations to get his will done. Ecclesiastes 11:4 says, “If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done” (TLB). Trust God and start moving in spite of your problems, fears, and doubts.

Talk It Over

Why do you think we are so often hesitant to pray and ask God for direction about big decisions?
What is the difference between taking a leap of faith and taking biblical steps to make wise decisions?
Which one of the six steps from today’s devotional is the most difficult for you? Pray, and ask God to help you trust him for every step of your journey of faith.