DECISION-MAKING FOR IMPACT (1)

“I am the LORD your God, Who TEACHES you to profit, Who LEAD you by the way you should go” – Isaiah 48:17b

God equips and empowers His children by His Spirit with the Life-Skill of DECISION-MAKING for IMPACT: “Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, Who TEACHES you to profit, Who LEAD you by the way you should go” (Isa.48:17). Today’s meditation passage emphasizes God’s sovereignty and faithfulness in guiding His people, in spite of their disobedience. God is the First and the Last; His eternal nature has control over all things (vv.12-23). Believers are therefore encouraged to trust in His Divine Plan, learn from past mistakes, and seek His Wisdom for making positively impactful, God-glorifying decisions. God’s desire is for His people to live in obedience and experience His blessings.

The Lord expected that Israel’s past disobedience and the consequences they faced should have served as lessons for future decision-making. Destiny is a succession of DECISIONS. LIFE is a collection of Choices. Life is full of decisions and choices: major, minor, tough, or trivial. To decide is to make up one’s mind. A decision is the commitment to a course of action; often a commitment to a PURPOSE. Success in life is more by choice than by chance. It takes a decision to change one’s situation. God doesn’t make decisions for us; rather He offers wisdom and guidance through Prayer, Scripture, and Counsel from others. Praying for wisdom and seeking confirmation through scripture and wise counsel can help align decisions with God’s Will.

We are constantly faced with decision-making moments. Yet, many people dread making decisions, being terrified of making wrong or lousy decisions. Making choices or decisions can be scary because these come from the core of who we are. When we consciously choose or decide on a matter, we have no one to blame and nowhere to hide; and that can be absolutely terrifying. We can however develop in God’s wisdom and decision-making skill to the point of making our decisions in the light of His Word, and walking by faith and in the confidence that He will be there guiding us in the path of our choices (vv.17-18).

Today’s decisions are tomorrow’s reality! God wants to TEACH us how to make profitable choices; how to decide effectively. He wants to LEAD us in the right way to go. God does not intend for us to be fretful abound making choices or decisions. We are not to live in fear of making the wrong decision. All the Lord demands is that we ask for WISDOM at every junction: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (Jam.1:5, NIV). He’ll ensure that even our seemingly “wrong” decisions work out for your good and for His Glory (Rom.8:28).