Decisions Decisions - Martin Wiles

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. 

~Philippians 2:13 NLT

My job was taxing but fulfilling. Deciding whether to leave challenged me like an unstudied-for test.

Five years had passed since I’d been employed by a local county. I began as a teller and worked my way up to supervisor. Although some days found me wishing for something different, most of the time I was satisfied.

Then, just as I settled into that routine, my pastor presented an opportunity. Due to difficult circumstances, I had been out of the ministry for a few years. Now he offered me the chance to be his associate and work with the youth and children. I turned down his first request, almost without thinking. Age had crept up on me. I was too old to act like youth ministers are sometimes required to.

A few months later, he approached me again. This time I told him I’d pray about it. Soon thereafter, I accepted the part-time position. My decision was only the beginning of more decisions to come.

Gas prices were rising, and my position at the county required a two-hour drive. As I stopped in at the old country store across the road from my house, one of the new owners approached me about a part-time day manager’s position. I prayed again. Before I knew it, I was putting in my resignation at the county and working two part-time jobs.

According to Paul, God works in us, giving us the desire and power to do what pleases Him. But how?

When we trust Christ as our Savior, he sends his Spirit to indwell us. Listening to him helps us make good decisions. God’s Spirit lives in us and works through us. He is not just a presence or force; He is living and moving. He nudges us in the right direction, but also nudges us when we make wrong decisions.

Knowing God’s Word also helps with decision-making. Here we find God’s principles, wishes, and commands. Having them ingrained in our minds helps us hear God’s Spirit when he reminds us of them.

Further help with decisions comes through prayer. Knowing the Word and having the Spirit make prayer more productive. As we pray, God will speak by his Spirit about things that align with his Word.

Don’t leave your decisions to chance. Listen to God’s Spirit, pray, and consult his Word.

Father, thank you for the resources you give that enable me to make good decisions. 

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