Life is all about making good decisions. But how do you discern the will of God? And how do you avoid “paralysis by analysis?” This mantra will help: “Make a decision and make it work”. 

Dad: where did this mantra come from?

Would you consider yourself to be decisive or indecisive?  How do you think those who know you best would answer that question?  Because God has called you to lead in the home and at church, men should be decisive.  

Black and White Decisions

• Q. Has God’s Word already made the decision? 
• When we’re faced with a decision where God’s Word has already clearly spoken, the decision is clear: we obey.  
• I don’t have to ask myself if I should sleep with my girlfriend or not.  I don’t have to ask if I should get drunk this weekend.  That’s a different question than, “Should I drink this weekend?”  
• If you’re not obeying God in the black and white decisions, don’t be surprised if it is harder to hear his voice on the gray ones.  
• Being a follower of Christ means I submit to his authority in my life. 
• Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I may not sin against you. 
• Q. Will this decision put me in a vulnerable position?
• Proverbs 14:15-16 Only simpletons believe everything they’re told!
• The prudent carefully consider their steps.The wise are cautious[a] and avoid danger;  fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.
• If you struggle with pornography should you have a TV in your room?  Should you keep your phone in your room at night? 
• If you’re trying to honor God in your relationship with your girlfriend, be careful of putting yourself into temptation. 
• If you’re trying to honor God with your finances, should you get the cheaper car or smaller apartment?  
• This is where humility is important in decision making. 
• Q. Will this decision cause another brother to stumble?
• Dad: not drinking while kids were young

Choosing between two good decisions

• Q. Is there more than one option that honors God? How do I discern his will? Then you have to choose the best over the good. 
• How to discern God’s Voice (trifecta, three means of grace)
• His Word
• Already talked about this. 
• His Spirit
• James 1:5  If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
• His People
•  1 Corinthians 12:7-10 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. 8 To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice[b]; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge.[c] 9 The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. 10 He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages,[d] while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. 
• Some people have a spiritual gift for giving wise advice.  Find those people and listen to them.  
• Proverbs 15:22 Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.
• Get people who know your gifting and temperament to help you make decisions
• For young men who are married, God has called your spouse to be your help mate.  Make decisions in unity with them as much as it is possible.  If you just can’t come to agreement on a decision and you’re confident the Lord is leading you a certain way, lead your wife through that.  

Trans: After we have done the above and really sought God’s will, we need to be decisive. 

Step through the Door with Faith

• I believe sometimes God is more concerned with how we go through the door than with which door we choose.  He is sovereign.  He’s in control.  If we’ve honestly sought his will and the choice isn’t crystal clear, pick a door and step through it with gratitude and faith. 
• Story about “All the places to go, how will you know” John Ortberg study
• Romans 8:28  And we know that God causes everything to work together[a] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
• God can even use my bad decisions for my good and for his glory.  I obviously don’t make bad decisions on purpose, but I am going to make some, even though I’ve tried to hear from God.  
• Colossians 3:23  Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. 
• Once the decision has been made, get to work.  Work as unto the Lord.  Don’t wonder “what if” at the first sign of hardship or trouble.  Don’t beat yourself up if you come to realize you made a bad decision.  God’s grace is bigger than your mistakes.  
• If it turns out to be a poor decision, take responsibility.  Don’t shift the blame.  Don’t let it cause you to be indecisive in the future.