Do I go to this school or that one? Do I work here or there? Is it time to ask her to marry me? Pepsi or coke? Ice cream or cake? Okay….you get the point. Life is full of many decisions, some small and some big. Some that can alter your life with just that one decision, and some that only can cause a significant change over time ( such as eating a huge bowl of ice cream every night ) But how do we approach decisions? How do we know which one is the best? And the biggest question I think a lot of Christians, including myself, wrestle with is this: How do I know which decision God wants me to make? What is my next move? 
If you have talked to me recently you know that I have a big up and coming decision that I have been wrestling with for over a month now. Do I stay in Arizona and move to Phoenix or do I move back to Indiana where I grew up. For those who don’t know, I am currently in the United States Navy and will be honorably discharged this July. So I’ve talked deeply on the decision with a couple of my close friends, family, and mentor. I have received some very sound advice and some advice that I take as a small grain of salt. Everything from flipping a coin, fasting, prayer, reasons for Phoenix, reasons for Indy and the list could go on. Even though I haven’t come to a decision quite yet (please pray that I do soon) I have learned a lot through this time and there are some things I’ve learned and been revealed to me that I would like to share. I’ll share with you the top 3 things that I have learned and or been reminded of in this process.
#1 – GOD LOVES YOU. That in itself is comforting. The God of the universe cares about you, loves you, and you are under his care. Never lose sight of this as you are debating what your next move will be. Romans 8:28 says “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” In this chapter Paul is talking about current suffering and the “glory that will be revealed to us” (v18). He goes on to talk about how the Holy Spirit intercedes for us. And because he “works all things together”, who can be against us (v31). Paul then talks about Jesus’ death and resurrection, and wraps up the chapter with the famous verses, 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. PRAISE GOD! NOTHING can separate us from the love of God. NOT EVEN OUR DECISIONS, “GOOD” or “BAD”, “RIGHT OR WRONG”.
#2 – LIMIT THE INPUT I had to learn this one the hard way, and is why I am sharing it with you. What I mean by limit the input is to limit the number of people that you talk with about your decision. Having a flood of input can clog up the thought process. Decisions are not meant to be a vote for your friends and acquaintances. Remember that this decisions is YOURS. You are the one who lives with the results, although depending on the decision, it could affect others around you. But ultimately you are the one choosing. Have you ever heard of the old saying, “Too many hands in the pot, spoil the sauce”? It’s sort of like that. There is so much being put into the pot (or your thoughts) that it just ends up spoiling. People have lots of different opinions and reasons they would do certain things. Even as I write this, it applies to my current circumstances and is something I am learning to apply to my own life. So I wouldn’t say there is a “limit” or even a certain number of people to talk to. Just don’t open the flood gates when you only have a gallon bucket to fill. But certainly seek advice from someone you trust and will give you solid advice. **If you don’t have a mentor, pray for one. And begin to seek one out. Having one and being discipled has been one of the biggest blessings and I couldn’t be more thankful**
#3 – GOD IS ABLE, SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE Let go. Release your grip. So often we grip so tight and try to take control of a situation, that we miss an opportunity for God to work things out and in turn give him glory. Ephesians 3:20 says “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” WOW what a relief. So you’re telling me that I don’t have to be strong enough, smart enough, wise enough, or anything else for God to accomplish something in my life. YES! I’m not saying that we don’t have to make a move because we do have some work on our part to step out and participate. But what I am saying is that GOD + HIS LOVE FOR US + HIS POWER AT WORK WITHIN US + OUR FAITH + OUR ACTION = MORE than we might ask or think.
So relax, God is able and will work things out, no matter what you decide. Stop trying to control so much and give it to God. HE IS ABLE SO WE DON’T HAVE TO BE. Give the song “God Is Able” by Hillsong a quick listen (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGJ-2K1n5xw), let those words sink in. GOD IS ABLE # To follow my posts, click the follow button to the right of this page ======>
GATHER IN THE LIGHT 