One of the most important things we do every day is make decisions. Some are small, like what we’re going to eat for breakfast, and others are life-changing—decisions about our marriage, career, faith, or family. But regardless of the size, every decision we make has an impact on our lives. That’s why I want to talk to you about being intentional in your decision-making.
Are you making decisions that align with God’s will? Or are you reacting to the circumstances and pressures around you?
Let me share eight key principles I’ve learned over the years that can help you make better, wiser decisions, and learn from the pain that often accompanies bad choices.
1. Be proactive, not reactive.
Too often, we get caught up in the moment and make choices based on our immediate emotions or the pressure we’re feeling. I’ve been there, and I’m sure you have too. But the problem with reacting is that we often end up regretting those choices later on.
Be proactive in your decision-making, not reactive.
Instead, take a step back. Pause. Pray. Take the time to think through your decisions before you act. When you’re proactive, you’re making decisions with purpose, not just responding to your circumstances. And that can make all the difference in your life.
2. Pray and seek God’s guidance.
Before you make any decision—especially the big ones—ask God for His guidance. This is foundational. God cares about every detail of your life, and He wants to guide you in your choices.
Through prayer, we invite God into the process and ask Him for the wisdom we need. In James 1:5, we’re reminded, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (NIV).
So, don’t rush. Take your decisions to God and trust Him to lead you. He knows what’s best for your life, even when you don’t have all the answers. And when you wait on Him, He’ll give you the peace and clarity you need to make the right choice.
3. Every decision has consequences.
One of the things I’ve shared time and time again is that every decision—whether big or small—has consequences. We don’t always think about that in the moment, but it’s true. When you make a decision, it sets off a chain of events. Sometimes those consequences are good, and sometimes they’re not what we expected.
Before making a decision, ask yourself:
- What are the potential consequences here?
- How will this choice affect my relationships, my walk with God, or my future?
Understanding the impact of your decisions will help you make better, more intentional choices. And remember, not making a decision is a decision too. Sometimes avoiding a choice can have consequences of its own.
Don’t waste the lessons that pain can teach you.
4. Learn from pain.
We don’t like pain, but it’s one of the most powerful teachers in life. Whether it’s physical, emotional, or spiritual pain, it has a way of getting our attention like nothing else. Pain often comes as a result of our poor decisions, but God can use it to teach us, shape us, and bring us closer to Him.
So, when you find yourself in a season of pain, ask God, “What do You want me to learn from this?” Don’t waste the lessons that pain can teach you. It’s often through those tough moments that we experience the greatest growth and transformation.
God doesn’t let our pain go to waste—He uses it to refine us and help us make better choices moving forward.
5. Indecision is also a decision.
Have you ever felt paralyzed by a decision? Maybe you’re afraid of making the wrong choice, so you just don’t make one at all. I’ve seen this happen so many times. When you avoid making a choice, the situation doesn’t just go away—it continues to unfold, often in ways you didn’t intend.
Instead of getting stuck in indecision, take small steps forward.
- Pray.
- Get counsel.
- Gather the information you need.
- Trust God to guide you.
- Then, make the best decision you can with the information you have.
It doesn’t have to be perfect—God can work with imperfect decisions when we’re trusting Him.
6. Test your decisions.
Before you make a big, life-altering decision, I encourage you to test it. What I mean by that is sometimes we need to take small steps to see how a decision might play out before making a full commitment. For example, if you’re thinking about moving to a new city or changing careers, consider ways to explore that option first—visit the city, talk to people in the field, or try a part-time role before diving in completely.
Testing your decisions allows you to explore the reality of what you’re considering without rushing into something you’re unsure of. It helps you gain clarity and peace of mind, ensuring that you’re making a well-thought-out choice.
7. Make decisions when you’re rested and clear.
One of the worst times to make a big decision is when you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, or in the middle of a crisis. I’ve learned that when we’re in those states, our judgment can be clouded, and we often make decisions we later regret. If you’re going through a tough season, give yourself time to rest, pray, and regain clarity before making any big decisions.
Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (NIV). When we bring our burdens to Him, He gives us the rest we need to think clearly and make wise decisions. So, don’t rush—take the time to get centered in Him before moving forward.
8. Move from hurt, to hope, to healing.
Maybe you’ve made some decisions in the past that have left you in a place of hurt. No matter how many bad choices you’ve made, God offers hope and healing. Through His grace, we can move from a place of hurt to a place of healing. It starts with confessing where we’ve gone wrong and asking God for forgiveness.
God is faithful to forgive us and give us a fresh start. If you’re feeling stuck in the consequences of past decisions, know that there is hope in Christ. He can take your pain and turn it into something beautiful if you let Him.
Never Too Late for Better Decisions
No matter where you are today, God is with you. Making intentional decisions today can lead to a more fulfilling, Christ-centered life tomorrow. And remember, God’s grace is always available to help you learn from past mistakes and move forward in faith.
