Making Scary Decisions: 6 Steps to Peace
You know that place in the middle of important and often scary decisions? That place where you have to do your part and then surrender the rest to God?
I get that. I really do.
I trust God and I know there is an end to me and a point where He does all the rest.
But I get stuck. Stuck wondering where I stop to say, “I’ve done all that I need to do. Jesus has the rest.”
The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied. -Proverbs 13:4
Friends, I almost feel foolish admitting it! Like I should have this stuff down by now! Right? But I don’t! I mean, sometimes I do, but sometimes I don’t. And usually that level of uncertainty happens when the decisions are many.
Just like right now. We are in the midst of several huge decisions that effect one or more of us in significant ways. I’m at peace with only one of those decisions.
But the others? They are keeping me up at night. Insomnia is ruining my nights and, in turn, wreaking havoc with my days.
So here I stand at the intersection of Working Harder and Letting Go. Which do I take?
Is this the stop where God takes over? Have I weighed the pros and cons thoroughly and researched our options fully? Am I seeing the situations through a balanced and healthy lens?
“God, is this the decision You want me to make?”
I surely do not have all the answers. However I do know there is something I have given room to grow. It’s something we don’t intentionally allow. Yet, it still happens.
It’s a power of the wrong sort.
I’ve allowed the enemy too much power in my life. Too much doubt-stirring in my soul.
Because when it comes down to it, no matter how difficult or large the decision may be, there is only one way to handle it. And it really is quite simple.
- Pray.
- Read the Word of God which will cast light upon good and bad. Right and wrong. Righteous and unrighteous.
- Consult with someone you know is Biblically and morally righteous and trustworthy.
- Step forward with actions that align with His Word.
- Weigh your pros and cons thoroughly.
- Repeat the process until the decision is finalized.
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. -Psalm 37:5
We must believe that no matter the decision. No matter the possible miscommunication our biased thoughts or interpretations of a situation may have created. And no matter the mistakes that come with our humanity. God will work things together for our good.
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. -Romans 8:28
In fact, He will open and close doors in our lives redirecting us where we need to go.
And I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David. He shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open. -Isaiah 22:22
And when the decisions get heavy and the road long causing weariness to weigh in, He will lift us up and give us strength.
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. -Isaiah 40:31
Finally, when the enemy prods our heart with thoughts of fear, we can be assured we are fiercely protected.
Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. -Psalm 91:14-15
Today, friends, when decisions loom big and heavy and you can’t find peace, know that peace is there. Know that it’s time to claim God’s truth over this process and cancel out the lies the enemy desperately wants us to believe. I’ll be there with you. I promise. I need this just as much as you so we are in this together!
This Week’s Featured Hope
It’s not only when the decisions are scary, but it’s when there are no answers. It’s when life itself is terrifying and we are broken, hurt, confused, alone, or misunderstood. That’s when pressing in and grabbing onto the Jesus who saves is our only lasting hope. But how often do we really reach out for Him? Or do we tend to reach into ourselves, digging deep and relying on our strength instead of His? Dawn of Journeys in Grace tells the story of a woman who pressed in for just a touch of Jesus.
She was longing for hope, so she went looking for Jesus. She interrupted Jesus and He stepped into her story.
Come with me to Journeys in Grace to read more about hope. Hope when life hurt. When leaning into Jesus made all the difference.
Find peace when making decisions! Join us at #MomentsofHope #LinkUp #hope #decisionmaking Share on X
#MomentsofHope Link-Up
Thank you so much for joining me each week in this place where we share and soak HOPE! Your hearts are a gift to me. A gift that encourages me tremendously. My husband often teases me about the smile I wear when I am behind this computer screen either writing to you or reading what you have written to me or for others. Never forget the importance of your words. There are so many in our world today and sadly, many of those do not lift up. Rather, they tear apart and divide. And they cause angst with no resolve. But you, my friends, are not doing that! You are reminding the world of the HOPE that cancels out all darkness. Thank you ♥
(I’m sorry about the link-up glitch last week that caused it to close after the first full day! The link-up will always be live through Saturday so if it ever happens again, don’t hesitate to message me! A huge thank you to those that did! ♥)
What I ask of you:
1. Share up to 2 URLs (to a blog post, not the actual blog) that resonates with the topic of HOPE. Anything that gives us hope for tomorrow. Hope for victory. The little things and the big. Anything that inspires us to lean into Jesus and let Him carry us through.
2. Important: If you don’t have a blog post or podcast that resonates with HOPE, join in other ways as you pray and encourage others with a comment or a prayer.
3. Please leave a comment on the link just before each of your links. Would you love on them well? Encourage them in their efforts to share the hope of Jesus. If you have time, stop by more than one sweet writer’s little corner of the blog world!
4. Of course, I would love it if you would follow me via my blog and/or social media channels! Signing up to join the Searching for Moments Community gets you access to the Library of Hope along with post updates and freebies!
5. If this gives you hope, would you consider sharing it with others to give them hope, too?
6. Please either grab the #MomentsofHope button found here or link back to me to encourage new linkers.
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Thank you for these thoughts. I’m a big fan of sky writing, and truly wish that God communicated in that way — especially when the decisions are big and scary. I’m reading a book by Hannah Anderson right now (Humble Roots), and finding her thoughts on humility to be very helpful in this business of guidance. Even in this area, I find that pride gets in my way.
Hahaha! Skywriting would be FANTASTIC! I think I’ll add that to my prayer requests! lol!
Well stated, thought provoking, and such a post of inspiration Lori. When God gave me the word “patience” for 2017, I knew it would be a challenge. Like you said, how much is too much? When do I rest in God and wait patiently for Him? (Psalm 37:7) Your tips are biblical and insightful. Prayer is always necessary and Godly counsel is key. If our desire is to be in God’s will, He hears our prayers. We must step forward in faith and He will direct our paths.So glad to be back at Moments of Hope, friend. I hope you have a wonderful week and may God continue to bless you and yours as you seek His will.
It’s so good to have you back, Horace! I have missed you! I’ve been praying for you as you navigate through these health issues. Your words always bless me and bring hope to so many! Thank you ♥
Those big scary decisions can get to all of us at times. But your advice to yourself is spot-on, Lori. I know you’ll come out on the winning side of this! God will bless your mind and your heart as you continue to seek and find his will in this decision.
Thank you, Lisa! I am already feeling peace in some of those decisions as the week has progressed. ♥
Well said, Lori! It happens to us season by season despite our growth in the Lord, it seems. It is one of those maturing processes that I doubt will end before the Lord returns or takes me home. Sometimes I don’t fall prey to the doubt the enemy places in the path, but if the decision is one I have a lot of emotion connected to, involves someone dear to me, or hits at one of my passions then it can be there and I can hesitate. Your advice, as Lisa noted, is spot-on. Your faithfulness and your steadfast, consistent love of the Lord will carry you through. You see, He has allotted for our uncertainty as well and His Spirit in us can take us where we cannot go.
I kept nodding my head yes, yes, and Yes! It really is part of that maturing until we go home, isn’t it? Thanks so much for sharing hope with me and the world, Pam! You are a blessing!
Hope you have a blessed week this week Lori… as always thanks for hosting the link up…. and for such inspirational thoughts. Decisions are what life is made up of and they are often hard to make. I’m grateful that we have all been given the ability to “check in” via prayer and to ask if decisions are correct…. God usually answers, but it’s in a way that speaks direct to each of us. His answers are usually …… “yes” … “no” or “wait”….! I’m grateful for the strength that he has given me through the years that my answers have been “wait!” xx
Hi Jade,
You have had many huge decisions to make over the years. He’s strengthened your waiting muscle well! Big hugs!
Lori- this was a really good post! I have these feelings all too much about where I end in working the situation and where God begins. Trust is my word for this year. I’m not good at surrendering to Him, but He’s already working on my word and it started in December 🙂
Dawn’s posts are always a good read too:)
Blessings on your week!
I am praying for your trust in Him to increase everyday, Julie. Interestingly, my eldest is struggling with trust in his faith life, too. I’m praying God reveals Himself in ways that pulls the walls down and lets you fully surrender to Him.
I think you bring up a good point, Lori. Often our uncertainty and increased doubts–second-guessing ourselves–comes most when we have multiple decisions to make. There’s more pressure to get it right and know, as you’ve said, when and how to hand it off to God. I think there’s a lot of latitude and grace in the path we have before us. I think if we are doing all the things you’ve pointed out and immersing ourselves in prayer and Scripture daily, we can’t miss God’s best. I think He works in and through our yielded hearts in ways that move us effortlessly (meaning He does the work) toward His purposes and will. But smacking down the doubts and lies that tempt us all along the way is not for the faint of heart! I battle them daily as well, my friend! I’m so grateful for how true and hopeful your messages and challenges are here each day and week, Lori! You aid us in the fight to cling to God and find His hope each day, my friend!
Oh, Beth, thank you for reminding me I’m not alone!I’ve been praying against a spirit of doubt and I can tell you that as this week has continued, I am feeling so much more peace about certain decisions! I just love this community and all of the wise Godly encouragement here! Much love to you! ♥
Lori, I needed to read this today. I have a big decision coming up this spring, and your thoughts help me feel more grounded in faith. Thank you!
Oh, Sarah, I am so glad the timing of this was just what you needed. God is so good that way, isn’t He?! I’m stopping to pray right now for that upcoming decision! As another reader commented here, praying against a spirit of doubt in your decision making process!
So true Lori! The freedom we have in Christ is that God is sovereign over all! Even if with the best of intentions we miss the boat on making a right decision, He works above and beyond. Such hope! Such freedom! Bless you friend❤?
Amen, Gretchen! So thankful for that truth – I’ve just got to keep myself resting in it! ♥
Yes, we know, but God stretches us; He always has more for us to learn. The bigger the trial, the more we have to rely only on Him. We all have so much to learn no matter how much or little we have already learned.
May the Lord continue to bless you as you go through these trials with Him.
You make such a good point, Ruth. It’s the stretching! One more thing to learn. I hadn’t looked at it in that way. I love how this community shares so much heart and insight. I am so blessed and encouraged by everyone!
Facing one today, actually. Praying and waiting on God’s “clues” and at peace, at present. I don’t think I’m timid at this point in my life, for the most part, but I know He’s saying: Ask Me, and listen to what I have to say. So I am, and hopefully will continue to walk in All His ways. Great post, friend!
Thanks, Sue! I hope you found peace in your decision. I stopped to pray for God to reveal and for your eyes and ears to be opened to hearing and seeing His way♥
Lori, this struggle is so real is all of us, even when we have so many faith markers to fall back on. Praying for peace and a keen remembrance of all the going before God has done my friend!
Crystal, Thank you for reminding me that I’m not alone in my continued struggle. It’s so frustrating when we have those faith markers yet still find ourselves in the struggle. And thank you so very much for your prayers ♥
I love this—press into grace. We all need his grace. When we mess up and when we are sinned against. I always appreciate your heart for the Lord and walking out the truth in a practical way. Thank you for hosting each week and faithfully building community.
I so love having you here, Angela! And I’m so thankful for grace … ♥
Lori, The intersection of working harder and letting go (I love the way you said that!) is a place I’ve been to a lot and sometimes it get’s a little confusing which direction to go. Isaiah 22:22 is a verse I don’t remember reading. It stuck out to me as a little signpost today! This was a great article!
Thanks, Leslie. I’m so thankful God used this verse to stand out to you today!
Amen to this. We can only hold on to him when things get hard.
Yes, Lux! Holding on tight ♥
I have trouble with this also. Have you tried casting out the spirit of doubt. The enemy will try to use his power in your life, but the power of God will always be able to cast it out. Say, “In the name of Jesus, I cast out this spirit of doubt.” Pray then, for the peace of Jesus Christ to come over you. It is a remarkable thing when you feel it! Jesus is right there always, for His believers. Much peace and love to you this week Lori.
Sherry, I can honestly say I have not prayed that! I’ve prayed against so many spirits, yet a spirit of doubt had never occurred to me! Goodness! Girl, I’m on it! Thank you ♥
Awesome Lori! It is real. Squash it!!!
♥
Lori, such great steps and awesome Scripture to back it up! Thank you sweet sister! Blessings to you!