How to Make Major Life Decisions

Examples:

• Who to marry

• when to get married

• which school to go to

• changing jobs

• entering a new business agreement

• moving to a new place or getting a new house

• Major family decisions

Abraham made two major life decisions - one that has caused blessings to this day, and another that has caused strife to this day. One was led by God and the other was not. First, he decisded to obey God and believe him (Genesis 12:1). This led to Abraham becoming great, and the father of many nations. But in a mistaken decision, he impregnated Hagar, his maid, based on the advice of his wife Sarah, and it led to Ishmael. The generations of Ishmael is causing trouble for Israel to this day. Decisions will have a lifelong effect. Don’t make decisions that can cause perpetual damage to your future.

Decision Making Potholes:

• Fears of the Present/Past

Matthew 25:25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou has tthat is thine.

• Seeking Financial Riches

I Timothy 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

• Making Agreements without Praying

Joshua 9:14-16 And the men took of their victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD.15And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them.

16And it came to pass at the end of three days after they had made a league with them, that they heard that they were their neighbours, and that they dwelt among them.

• Family Bondage - Ruth’s sister returned to the gods of her homeland in Moab; Ruth 1:14-15 And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her. 15And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.

• Following Emotional Triggers

Proverbs 19:11The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to

pass over a transgression.

Proverbs 14:29 He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is

hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

• Indecisive or Doubleminded

James 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

• Wrong Counsellors - unsaved counsel; saved but unproven in area

Psalm 1:1 - Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly.

How to Make Major Life Choices:

1. Choose God’s Choice

Proverbs 3:5-7 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own

understanding. 6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

7Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.