Question:
I need to develope good decision making tools and techneques so that I can make good educated decisions on my own, without constantly feeling like i'm always making the wrong decision. While you can give me your own opinions on this topic, I'm more looking for how I can take the below information and make a decision based off of it. (and if there are problems I have not even considered in the equasion yet.. mentioning that would be helpful too!)
Today a lot has been thrown at me. I found out that there is a possability that I wont lose my scholorship after this semester, and therefore still have the option of staying at this school. My mom told me she doesn't pay the community college till next week, so I have till then to finalize my decisions. I had thought God closed all the doors to this school, but perhaps he hasn't? and what if my issues with the school are ones He wants to use me to address, rather then my running away from them?
Yet everything is working out for having the spring semester back at home. My class schedual is perfect, the classes i'm taking are ones i'm excited about, I'll be able to go back to counsling with my old counslor and they can put me on meds and keep an eye on me this time. And i just got a call from an old friend asking if I would like to move into an appartment with her!
If I do that however, I will have to be going to school and working, that was really hard last semester, and didn't turn out well for me. I am worried about working out transpertation, and finding a part time job that will pay enough to help chip in on the apartment. It would cost the two of us 600 a month. And then there are some complications with moving in with this particular friend, and i'm not sure how that will turn out.
I don't know how to make decisions like this. I keep having to make these decisions and I feel as if I keep making the wrong choices. I don't want to run away again, I don't want to give up because something is too hard. I want to be the kind of person who will push through anything and make it on top.
How can I take these facts and make a wise decision based off of that?
Answer:
First of all, read the last half of Matthew 6.
Secondly, how do you define 'wrong'? Do you define it as 'I'm going through some struggles here"? If so, I think you need to look at more as God putting you through the fire. I personally thing 'wrong' decisions are ones that are sinful and/or foolish. An easy example is: "Should I go to the strip club or not?"
Thirdly, do you believe what the Bible says or don't you? Hehe. We say that our desires will line up with God's when we are 'closer' to him. So, many times, what we desire (as long as it is not sinful) can be a good indicator of what to do.
Fourthly, what are others that you respect in Christ giving you advice to do? This especially is true for those that are older than you, and especially true for those that aren't emotionally involved or have a stake in your decision.
Fifthly, what does the Bible say about it? If nothing really, then Godspeed in using your own God-given wisdom and desires to work it out. If so, well, follow the Bible.
Sixthly, do NOT rely SOLELY on arbitrary feelings about 'God moving' or 'God telling' or 'God saying' unless you are like 10000% sure that it's coming from the Holy Spirit.
Seventhly (ah the 'perfect' number), pray for direction, guidance, reassurance, etc.
Answer:
Originally Posted by exo First of all, read the last half of Matthew 6.
Secondly, how do you define 'wrong'? Do you define it as 'I'm going through some struggles here"? If so, I think you need to look at more as God putting you through the fire. I personally thing 'wrong' decisions are ones that are sinful and/or foolish. An easy example is: "Should I go to the strip club or not?"
Thirdly, do you believe what the Bible says or don't you? Hehe. We say that our desires will line up with God's when we are 'closer' to him. So, many times, what we desire (as long as it is not sinful) can be a good indicator of what to do.
Fourthly, what are others that you respect in Christ giving you advice to do? This especially is true for those that are older than you, and especially true for those that aren't emotionally involved or have a stake in your decision.
Fifthly, what does the Bible say about it? If nothing really, then Godspeed in using your own God-given wisdom and desires to work it out. If so, well, follow the Bible.
Sixthly, do NOT rely SOLELY on arbitrary feelings about 'God moving' or 'God telling' or 'God saying' unless you are like 10000% sure that it's coming from the Holy Spirit.
Seventhly (ah the 'perfect' number), pray for direction, guidance, reassurance, etc.
All very very good advice. Not much to add to it, I'd just like to mention #6.
I totally agree, you need to be careful with that. DON'T rely on your feelings, they change way too often. Yes, most often you should have peace with your decision, but just be careful with your feelings.