5 Steps to Take When Making A Big Decision

For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Brett and Rhonda wandered into an open house that was priced substantially higher than homes they had previously been looking at. This house was their absolute dream home. They now had to make a big decision. The next day, I met with them and they informed me they wanted to make an offer, despite the big price tag. I asked Brett and Rhonda how they came up with this decision. They said, “We used the Ben Franklin Line.” They simply drew a line down the middle of the paper making a separate column for pros and cons. For pros they had: bonus room for the kids, bigger yard, pool, sunset view, and greater tax write-offs. On the con side they only had: might not be affordable. They concluded that there were five good reasons to buy this home and only one reason not to. Fortunately, they later reversed their decision.

We often ask couples, “What system do you use to make major decisions?” Rarely does a couple have a decisive plan. Proverbs 19:21 tells us, “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” God wants us to come to Him with our plans. Here are some guidelines:

Pray- Luke 18:1“ThenJesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” God wants us to be in relationship with Him. Relationships involve spending time in meaningful conversation. Prayer is talking to God and listening for His response.

Read God’s Word–John8:31-32 “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’”The Bible is God’s living Word. It is one of the ways for us to know God’s will.

Seek the advice of others- Proverbs 15:22“Plansfail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”First, married couples should seek each other’s counsel. Then we should seek advice from other Christians.

Trust God- Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heartand lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”God may not always answer our prayers the way we want, but He will answer them in the way that is best for us. Trust His response.

Make the Decision- Proverbs 3:6“In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Don’t let your inability to make a decision become your decision. Be decisive.

Big decisions can become life-defining moments. As you seek to follow God’s path for your marriage, it is our prayer that you will realize the fullness of Psalm 20:4, “May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your planssucceed.”

May God bless and keep you in His loving care!

Ed and Angie Wright

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