Are you at the crossroads? Does it feel like your entire future depends on the decisions you are about to make?

Perhaps it’s what school to attend, what subjects to study. Maybe it’s what job to take or whether to leave a current job. Perhaps you’re thinking about dating or even marriage.

What are the consequences of these decisions? How do we know what best to decide?

As you stand at the crossroads, looking forward to unknown futures, here are five things to consider:

1. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible is given to us by God. It’s the Word of God, and is sufficient in equipping us for whatever situations we might face (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

There are some situations the Bible speaks directly about. Adultery, for example, is clearly prohibited (Matthew 5:27-28). So is playing favourites (James 2:8-9).

We’re also given guidance that can be applied broadly to nearly every decision we make.

• Be willing to forgive (Matthew 18:21-22).
• Love one another (1 Peter 4:8).
• Live your life in Christ, rooted and built up in Him (Colossians 2:6-7).

Does the Bible have clear teachings applicable to your current situation? If so, prayerfully follow the clear directions God has given us. If not, here are a few more things to consider…

2. HAVE YOU CHECKED YOUR MOTIVES?

As we deal with the uncertainties of the future, we must also carefully check our motives. We need to dig deep and figure out what emotions are at play.

Are we leaning towards a certain decision because of fear? Are we going after something because we feel the need to keep up with our peers? Or are we trying to get back at someone because of something they did?

The Bible reminds us: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23). Let us pray and ask for God’s help and forgiveness as we confront any unhealthy or even sinful motivations.

Whatever decision we ultimately make, let it come from clarity of mind and purity of motive.

3. ARE YOU PRAYING ABOUT THIS?

“Pray continually,” Paul reminds us (1 Thessalonians 5:17). How much more so when we face an unknown decision?

• We can pray for a pure heart as we make decisions (Psalm 51:10).
• We can pray for wisdom that God grants generously (James 1:5).
• We can pray for the Holy Spirit to guide us (John 14:26).
• We can pray for courage to make a hard decision (Hebrews 13:6).
• We can pray for peace amidst the unknowns (John 14:27).

We can also pray about the specifics of our decisions. After all, God knows all of our unknowns. And when we pray, we’re reminded that God is with us. He will give us what we need to make the decision.

4. HAVE YOU SOUGHT GODLY COUNSEL?

Christians were never meant to walk alone. We’re “no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household” (Ephesians 2:19).

We can certainly find brothers and sisters who walk with the Lord and have the insight and experience that we lack. Let us take advantage of that and seek out mature Christians we trust (Proverbs 12:15). They may be able to offer advice or perspective we have not yet considered.

And more importantly, they can join us in prayer. “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20).

5. DO YOU TRUST GOD’S FORESIGHT?

Finally, let us be reminded that while we don’t know how things will turn out, God does. Though we may make the best decision possible under the circumstances, we cannot foresee all the potential implications of it.

And that’s okay. God knows our shortsightedness. He knows our limitations. And He’s accounted for them.

Whatever we end up deciding, whichever path we end up taking… God already knows. He will walk with us every step of the way, and He will work things out in His own time (Proverbs 3:5-6).

This article was first published on YMI.today and is republished with permission.