Making Tough Choices

This last month in youth, I have been speaking about the choices we make in life. Wouldn't it be great if we all had a personal Bible that told us exactly what to do and when to do it.  For example, in John 73:23, it would say that in the year 2009, you were to accept this job offer or go to this school  Unfortunately, we don't have that, but there are some questions that can help us in our decision making process.

1. What does the Bible say? The Bible is our guidebook for living.  It helps to discern what is sin and what is not.  It trains and corrects us.

2. What do we feel God speaking? The Holy Spirit gives us direction.  Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) “⁵Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. ⁶Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.”

3. What is the wise thing to do? Ephesians tells us to live as those who are wise, not as those who are unwise.  Andy Stanley has written an excellent book on this subject called "The Best Question Ever." In those times, we don't know what to do, ask what is the wise thing to do?

4. What do wise people say? There is wisdom in a multitude of counselors.  What do those who have made similar choices have to say? What do Godly people say? What do your Pastors or other church leaders say?
I hope this helps give you a filter for making tough decisions in life.