Readers,

This month we have a special blog from Cheri Cowell. She is a gifted writer and speaker who writes about decision making. Please enjoy and pass along to someone who might be needing to make a big decision.

-Carol

Tough Decisions in Tough Times

Do I take that job which requires my family to move? Do we sell our house, even if we take a loss, or do we rent it? What will a move do to my children, my career?

These and others like them are tough decisions. And whether those in power deem the recession as over or lingering, the effects of these tough times are still wreaking havoc in families across the nation. Making tough decisions requires resolve, but it also requires something else—something that often seems elusive—and that is wisdom. In my own life, I’ve had to make some difficult decisions. Some of those tough choices required me to put my job on the line, and in those difficult places I discovered a truth that, when shared with others, has set many free to make choices more freely. That truth is grounded in my belief that God is with us in our darkest hours, and in His great love for us, has given us His spirit to guide us if we will seek His lead. The problem comes when the noise of this world, and even our own fear of making wrong decisions, crowds out that voice, making it difficult to discern His voice from the many vying for our attention. In my book, Direction: Discernment for the Decisions of Your Life, I detail six questions you and I can ask to combat the Too Many Voices, Too Many Choices syndrome. As you face tough decisions in these tough times, may these six-questions prove helpful to you as you seek the One Voice who will guide you in making wise and godly decisions.

1. Is this aligned with the character of God? Is this something God would do, himself? If not, then God would not ask you to.
2. Is there an obstacle or opposition? Often we see obstacles as signs God is “closing doors,” but more often obstacles and opposition are signals we are on the right track and need to stand strong.
3. Is it God-sized? The Bible is full of stories of men and women who were called to things bigger than they were. God-sized things require us to fully rely on Him.
4. Is it requiring steps of faith? We are called to be men and women of faith, so why is it so difficult for us to see that steps of faith, where we have no guarantees of success are indeed God’s ways?
5. Is it stretching, growing, and strengthening me? We avoid the growth process like the plague, but personal and spiritual growth are hallmarks of the The Christian Way.
6. Is it requiring me to adjust, prune, and realign my life? We are called to fashion our lives after the One who came to show us The Way. If your decision requires adjusting, pruning, and realignment, you may just be on the right path. 

Cheri Cowell, the author of Direction: Discernment for the Decisions of Your Life (Beacon Hill), writes and speaks on topics of spiritual growth and the deep questions of faith. She can be reached through her website www.DirectionAndDiscernment.com