Making Important Decisions

The Lord directs the steps of the godly - Psalm 37:23 NLT

There are three considerations to bear in mind when making important decisions.

1) Beware of 'people pressure'. Facing 30,000 Philistine chariots, and Samuel the prophet not around to offer the required sacrifice to God ensuring their victory, King Saul decided to usurp the prophet's office and offer his own sacrifice instead. When Samuel showed up a week later and demanded an explanation, Saul said, 'The Philistines will now come down on me… I felt compelled… ' (1 Samuel 13:12 NKJV). He gave in to 'people pressure'. Samuel said to Saul, 'You have done foolishly… now your kingdom shall not continue… ' (1 Samuel 13:13-14 NKJV). God's will must be done God's way, so wait for His instructions and don't rush ahead of Him.

2) Make sure the timing is right. God says,'… I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it… ' (Revelation 3:8 NKJV). When you open a door you have to work to keep it open, but when God opens it, 'no one can shut it'. You don't have to manipulate anybody or anything - you can just walk in.

3) Remember the 'restraint and release' principle. Paul's missionary team tried to go to two different cities, '… but the Spirit did not permit them' (Acts 16:7 NKJV). Have you ever tried to teach a teenager to drive? What's the first thing you teach them about - the accelerator or the brakes? The brakes! If they're not interested, take your car keys back; they're obviously not ready to drive. As you get to know God better you'll discover that He guides by the 'restraint and release' principle: the brakes and the accelerator. That's how it works when your steps are directed by the Lord.

Note: The article above is taken from daily devotion email from The Word for Today brought by TheVine in association with The Rhema Broadcasting Group Inc, New Zealand and UCB International Ltd