How to make the decision before the decision has to be made.

Decisions. One of the hardest things to make in life. The choice that is made in the moment where a decision has to be made can either change the course of the rest of your day, year, life, etc. for the better or worse. What pressure! And guess what? As a Christian we have even more pressure with the decisions we have to make. The world is watching every decision we are making to see if we are going to fall in to the trap of going with its flow of traffic, or if we are going to turn against the tide and swim upstream to be set apart.

A quick note to add: I want to humbly acknowledge that I am a sinner and far from perfect. By writing these faith-based blog posts, I am not trying to prove that I am a better Christian than anyone else. If anything, I am preaching to myself and sharing my personal journey and reflections. My hope is that my experiences and thoughts might resonate with others and provide some encouragement along the way to help you GROW as a Christian! 🙂

So, how can we as Christians make sure we are being conscious of the decisions we are making to ensure we are making godly ones?

Make the decision before the decision has to be made.

My husband and I are travel therapists. This means we have lived in many different new states and cities. Living in new areas has given us the privilege to visit and attend new churches. The pastor and assistant pastor at the church we attended while we lived in Utah would say the line “make the decision before the decision has to be made”. Ever since I heard it the first time, that phrase has stuck with me.

What does this mean and how can you make a decision before you have to make it?

Making the decision before the decision has to be made means you are consciously deciding prior to being tempted, tested, and questioned how you are going to respond, react, and take action when the moment arises. This may look like:

No longer asking if you are going to church, but making the decision before Sunday morning that you are going.
No longer saying “yes” to going to events/ locations you know are not glorifying to God.
No longer spending time with people that are not helping you grow in your relationship with God.
Waking up early to complete your quiet time with God rather than sleeping in.
Speaking the truth in moments when it is the unpopular choice.

Obviously, everyone’s decisions are going to be different. But know that satan knows you very well. He knows the exact aspects you are most vulnerable in and will tempt you to make the wrong decision. So before he can convince you to choose the wrong decision, go ahead and make the decision beforehand to decrease the temptation.

Just because we make the godly decision, it does not mean we will have immediate reward in worldly standards. Life might get a lot harder. However, even if you know the consequences of the decision may be negative based on worldly standards, knowing the decision you made will please God should be reward enough.

This is where you begin strengthening your spiritual maturity. There will be aspects of life that are temptations from the world. These may be so subtle you do not even realize a snare is set, or they may be quite obvious; yet, you will still be tempted.

Wrong decisions are simply made when you do what you want to do rather than what you should do. We have to learn self discipline and true surrender to God to put His will before our wants/ comforts.

There are only two directions you can go and grow in your walk with God- downward or upward. Based on the actions we take with each decision will determine which direction we are going.

Think of it this way- Imagine there is a straight vertical line where God is at the top, satan is at the bottom, and you are in the middle. Each time you make a Godly decision, you are moving up toward God and away from satan. But every time you make an ungodly decision, you are moving down towards satan and away from God. I don’t know about you, but I want to constantly be moving toward God and far away from satan!

If you are more of a *visual* learner, here is a better explanation of my demonstration!

Decisions by the Thousands

Studies have suggested that adults make anywhere from 35,000 to 70,000 decisions per day.

Some decisions are small and made automatically, that you do not even realize a decision was to be made. Others are more significant and require deliberate thought. Some decisions may not seem like they are making a great change in the remaining course of our day. However, others make an obvious difference in the day causing a domino effect that may bleed into the next hour, day, week, year, and so on.

If we make the decision before the decision has to be made, then the choices will be easier to make.

Somewhere between 35,000 to 70, 000 times a day we are deciding if we are moving in the direction of Christ or satan. What we decide in the thousands of decisions we make daily, in every aspect of our life, will determine which direction we will grow. These decisions do not only apply to things that are obviously “works for God” (e.g., going to church, reading your Bible, praying, etc.), but to decisions we make at work, in our relationships, with our health, in entertainment… everything. Because guess what? Everything is reflected back to our walk with God.

Want to GROW in your walk with God? Click here for ideas and inspiration!

It is quite black and white in Christianity. There are only two purposes for how we are conducting our actions. It is either to glorify God, or glorify satan. Although you may be thinking- “I would NEVER do anything that would glorify satan!!”, there are things that are happening subtly in your life that are drawing more attention to satan and away from God.

We are all guilty of this! Satan makes our sin seem so miniscule, so harmless, so innocent that we do not even realize what we are doing is not pointing others to Christ. We may see it better if we categorize it as does this make me/ the world happy or God. A lot of the time, especially for me, it will be the answer of ‘me’ or ‘the world’.

We are called NOT to be of the world but set apart. Being set apart makes people notice. They will notice and comment on the joyful and loving spirit, servant’s heart, hospitable host, the kind giver, etc. When they notice these aspects, this is the perfect opportunity to be a witness for Christ. Walk through that open door of opportunity and tell them why you are full of joy, service, hospitality, kindness, etc.- because you have the love of Jesus in you! This can be linear to ensuring our actions are reflecting the fruit of the spirit.

I have an entire blog post on the fruit of the spirit if you would like to read more about GROWing in the fruit of the spirit!

Thankfully, we have a book that gives us numerous examples of characters that took decision making into serious consideration.

Characters from the Bible who made the decision before the decision had to be made:

Micaiah:

Micaiah is an example of someone who made the decision before the decision had to be made to only speak the truth even though it was the unpopular opinion. Although many other prophets gave the king exactly what he wanted to hear, Micaiah stood true and demonstrated full obedience to God. Micaiah chose the Lord’s will even though it may not have been his first choice. However, it is obvious he asked the Lord to speak to him to show King Ahab the prophesy. Asking the Lord’s will is not the hard part, it is the decision of whether we are going to obey it. If we ask in prayer, we have the obligation to follow His will. Let’s look more into the story from 1 Kings 22:
During the reign of King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah, the two kings considered joining forces to reclaim Ramoth-gilead from the Syrians. Seeking counsel, they gathered together four hundred prophets who unanimously prophesied success in battle. However, Jehoshaphat was wary and inquired if there was a prophet of the Lord they could consult.
King Ahab reluctantly mentioned Micaiah, a prophet known for his unwavering commitment to speaking the truth, even when it was unpopular. Jehoshaphat insisted on hearing from him, and Micaiah was summoned before the kings.
Initially, Micaiah’s message mirrored that of the other prophets, assuring victory in battle. However, when pressed further by King Ahab, Micaiah revealed a startling vision from the Lord. He saw the heavenly court, with God seated on His throne, surrounded by His angelic hosts. In this vision, a spirit volunteered to entice Ahab into going to battle at Ramoth-gilead, leading to his downfall. Micaiah declared that this vision was the true word of the Lord.
Despite knowing the consequences, Micaiah courageously proclaimed the message given to him by God. He fearlessly spoke truth to power, even in the face of opposition and personal danger. His unwavering commitment to delivering God’s message, regardless of the consequences, stands as a testament to his faithfulness and integrity.
In the end, Micaiah’s prophecy proved true. Ahab ignored his warning, went into battle, and met his demise, just as the Lord had foretold through His faithful servant. Through Micaiah’s story, we are reminded of the importance of listening to the voice of God and the courage it takes to stand firm in our faith, even when it means going against the tide of popular opinion.

Joshua

Joshua is a well known leader in the Bible. Not only did he lead the children of Israel with continuously following the Lord’s will, but he made the decisions that were hard to make. One of my favorite verses in the Bible comes from Joshua 24:15 “choose you this day whom you will serve”. That is making the decision before the decision is made. Choosing who you will serve- the world or God?
In Joshua 24:15, we find Joshua at a pivotal moment, addressing the people of Israel as they stand on the brink of a significant decision. He presents them with a choice that would shape their destiny and define their allegiance.
This declaration by Joshua is remarkable for its clarity, conviction, and unwavering commitment to God, even in the face of potential opposition or unpopularity. He presents the people with a stark choice, laying out the consequences of their decision while affirming his own steadfast allegiance to the Lord.
Joshua proclaims the decision “As for me and my house we will serve the Lord”, despite the possibility of resistance or dissent from the people, reflects his strong leadership and his deep-rooted faith in God. He understands the gravity of the moment and the significance of the choice before them. By boldly proclaiming his commitment to serving the Lord, Joshua sets an example for the people to follow and inspires them to do likewise.
In making this unpopular decision, Joshua demonstrates his willingness to stand alone if necessary, choosing obedience to God over the approval of others. His words echo down through the ages as a timeless reminder of the importance of personal faith and individual conviction in the face of adversity. Joshua’s unwavering resolve serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith and the enduring impact of a life lived in service to the Lord.

Church of Macedonia

This is not one singular character from the Bible, but a group of people. The church of Macedonia had to make a decision that from the outside looking in seems like it would make their trials even worse. However, the Lord blessed the church due to the fact that they kept their priorities straight with God, first gave their heart to him, and gave to the Lord beyond their humanly power.
In 2 Corinthians 8:2, Paul commends the church of Macedonia for their remarkable example of generosity and sacrificial giving, even in the midst of their own trials and afflictions. Despite their own hardships and economic difficulties, the Macedonian believers chose to go against the popular decision of self-preservation and instead kept their priorities aligned with God’s kingdom purposes.
The Macedonian Christians understood that their ultimate allegiance was to God, and they demonstrated this through their actions. Rather than prioritizing their own comfort or security, they chose to prioritize the needs of others and the advancement of God’s work. Their willingness to give sacrificially, even beyond their means, reflects their deep faith and trust in God’s provision.
They were able to make this decision because they first gave their heart to God. If our actions are without the intention of bringing glory to God, then what we give is in vain.
This decision to go against the popular mindset of self-interest and instead prioritize God’s kingdom values is a powerful testimony to the transformative power of faith. It shows that even in the face of adversity and opposition, it is possible to remain steadfast in our commitment to God and His purposes.
The example of the Macedonian church challenges us to reevaluate our own priorities and motivations. It reminds us that true discipleship requires a willingness to sacrifice our own desires and comforts for the sake of others and the greater good. By following the example of the Macedonian believers, we can learn to live lives of radical generosity and selflessness, keeping our priorities aligned with God’s kingdom and His purposes above all else.

Abraham

Sometimes, it can be very hard for us to see God in a situation. It can be easy to question and doubt Him. But remember, just because you have made the godly decision, does not mean everything will be easy. You will now be tested in so many ways. However, continuously following God’s will and making decisions that are linear to his word is promised to bring blessings. Abraham is a great example of this. Let’s read more about his willingness to make the hardest decision of his life to obey God:
The story of Abraham’s obedience in sacrificing his son, Isaac, found in Genesis 22, serves as a profound example of faith, obedience, and trust in God’s sovereignty, even in the face of unimaginable difficulty.
Abraham had waited many years for the fulfillment of God’s promise to make him the father of many nations through Isaac. Yet, God tested Abraham’s faith by commanding him to sacrifice his beloved son as a burnt offering. This command was undoubtedly one of the most challenging trials Abraham would ever face.
Despite the immense love Abraham had for Isaac and the apparent contradiction between God’s promise and command, Abraham chose to obey God without hesitation. He rose early the next morning, gathered the necessary supplies for the sacrifice, and set out to obey God’s command, fully trusting in God’s wisdom and goodness.
When they reached the appointed place, Abraham bound Isaac and prepared to sacrifice him. However, the angel of the Lord intervened, stopping him from carrying out the act. God provided a ram caught in a thicket nearby as a substitute for Isaac, affirming Abraham’s faithfulness and obedience.
Abraham’s willingness to obey God, even when it meant sacrificing his most cherished possession, demonstrates his profound faith and trust in God’s sovereignty. His obedience paved the way for God’s continued faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises.
Through Abraham’s example, we learn the importance of trusting in God’s wisdom and goodness, even when His ways seem mysterious or difficult to understand. Abraham’s obedience serves as a timeless reminder that true faith is demonstrated not only in moments of ease but also in times of trial and testing.

Jesus

The ultimate example of all examples is Jesus making the decision of being the sacrifice of the world’s sins before the act had even begun.
The decision of Jesus to obey God’s will and willingly undergo crucifixion, sacrificing Himself for the sins of humanity, stands as the ultimate act of love and obedience. Jesus’ journey to the cross, as depicted in the Gospels, reveals the depth of His love for humanity and His unwavering commitment to fulfilling God’s redemptive plan.
Jesus, fully aware of the suffering and agony that awaited Him, willingly submitted to God’s will in the Garden of Gethsemane. As He prayed, He wrestled with the weight of what lay ahead, yet ultimately surrendered to God’s plan, saying, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). In this moment of profound obedience, Jesus demonstrated His complete trust in God’s sovereignty and His unwavering love for humanity.
Throughout His ministry, Jesus repeatedly foretold His impending death and resurrection, emphasizing the necessity of His sacrificial atonement for the forgiveness of sins. He understood that His mission on earth was to reconcile humanity to God, and He willingly embraced the suffering and shame of the cross to accomplish this divine purpose.
As Jesus stood trial before Pilate and faced the mockery, ridicule, and brutality of His crucifixion, He remained steadfast in His commitment to God’s will. Even in the midst of unimaginable pain and suffering, Jesus exemplified grace, forgiveness, and love, praying for His enemies and offering salvation to the repentant thief beside Him.
The crucifixion of Jesus was not merely a tragic event; it was the culmination of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus bore the weight of humanity’s sin and provided the way for reconciliation with God. His resurrection three days later affirmed His victory over sin and death, offering the hope of eternal life to all who believe in Him.
Jesus’ obedience to God’s will, even unto death, serves as the ultimate example of love, sacrifice, and redemption. His willingness to endure the cross for the sake of humanity underscores the depth of His love for each and every person. As we contemplate the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice, may we be filled with gratitude, awe, and reverence for the One who gave His life to save us.

I would like to add that if you have not made the most important decision in your life to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, I pray that you understand the weight of this decision as well as the delay you are experiencing. This is a decision that not only will impact your current life, but this will impact your eternity. By making the correct decision of accepting God in your heart, you will have eternal salvation. A home in Heaven forever!

If you do not make the decision, you are accepting the choice of eternity in Hell. There is no guaranteed time for anyone. Your day of death could be today. Please make the decision of being saved to ensure you will go to Heaven.

As always, if you have any questions regarding this, please reach out to me. I would love to help you find true joy and peace in knowing where you will be spending eternity.

I pray you will be more conscious and aware of the decisions that you will be faced everyday, and choose to make the decision before it has to be made!

Leave a comment below on how you use the Bible and your relationship with The Lord to help you decision making skills!