YOUR NEXT STEP IS COVERED: Making Bold Decisions With God

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. — Proverbs 16:9 NIV

Analysis paralysis.

This is a malady I’ve suffered from many times in life, and I’m confident that I’m not alone. In my pursuit of making the right choice, I’ve wavered to the point of inactivity, terrified of making a wrong one. We often face so many choices throughout the day that the constant need to decide can become overwhelming.

Trust in Divine Provision Overcomes Doubt

When we depend on our limited abilities and knowledge, it’s easy to become terrified by doubt. But relying on the Lord encourages us to move forward assured that God will provide whatever we need, when we need it. This may be pivotal relationships, finances, or an innovative idea.

Our first steps toward accomplishing a goal may be small, such as learning a new skill or taking a class. As we progress, our Father continually orders our steps around roadblocks and through distractions. As long as we keep moving, striving, and planning, the Lord prepares our way. Still, this requires that we stay on course and press forward when faced with adversity.

Taking Steps of Faith: When God Waits on Us

We often convince ourselves that we are waiting on God, but more often than not, God is waiting on us. We want to hear from the Lord before we act. But historically, our Father has provided direction and miracles after His children have taken critical steps of faith.

The waters of the Jordan River ceased to flow, allowing the Israelites to cross only after the priest stood in it. Similarly, Abraham left home and everything he knew before the Lord directed him toward “the land I will show you.” These miracles manifested after acts of obedience. God desires the same measure of faith from us as well.

Embracing Action to Receive Divine Blessings

Our blessings rarely fall into our laps. They typically require some action on our part to receive them. Though stepping out to find out can be intimidating, it is the only way we can achieve all that the Lord has for us. If we make a wrong decision, it’s okay. Our Father doesn’t demand perfection. However, God wants us to trust Him enough to step boldly, assured of His guidance, provision, and redirection as necessary.

Consequently, even our missteps can’t prevent us from our purpose. Moses murdered a man and still delivered the Israelites from Egypt. Abraham impregnated Hagar, yet Sarah gave birth to their promised child, Isaac. Likewise, our poor choices may detour our destiny, but they can’t destroy it.

Pray, plan, and prepare. Learn to recognize redirection.

The Lord establishes—makes firm and stable, lays on a firm basis, places into a favorable position—our steps. We can’t always trust our judgment, but we can always trust our God.

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Prayer: Dear Father, show me how to create a healthy balance of wisdom, proactive behavior, and action. Please help me rely on You, not on just myself or others. Though You do provide wise counselors, allow me to discern Your will in every situation I face. Amen.

Your Turn: Have you ever struggled with deciding? It could be which gym to join, who to vote for, what to make for dinner, or an issue at work. Whatever it is, how do you go about deciding? Do you pray first? Do you run to friends and family before approaching God? How can you change the way you make decisions from here on in?