Big decisions

I read this description of “God’s Will” recently and it has helped me a lot in my big decision-making process. Imagine you set up a backyard full of activities for your kids. You tell them they’re free to play with anything they like, as long as they stay inside the fence, because beyond it lies a pond filled with venomous snakes. Now, imagine your kids keep asking, “Can I throw the football?” At some point you say, “Of course! I wouldn’t have put it there if I didn’t want you to enjoy it!”

Just like kids, we start asking if we should take this job or that job. Should we date this person or that person? Should I move across the country, or just stay here? We worry about whether it is the right time or the right order or the right choice. Meanwhile God is saying, “I gave you all of this. I want you to enjoy it. Play kindly. Love each other. Honor Me. Other than that, go live your life!”

That picture changed the way I see big decisions. My focus used to be, “What does this do for me? How does this move my life forward for what I want, for what I can control, for what I think is best for me?” Now, as I grow in my faith, I am asking a better question. How does this serve God? If the choice strengthens my character, honors God, and lifts others up, then I trust that I am still safely within His plan. I am playing within the fenceline.

Here is something else I have learned. Sometimes two choices look like a coin flip. Honestly, both could work. Both could be exciting. Both could honor God. In those moments you might feel some nerves because the unknown is always a little scary, they might get you a little afraid of the future. Then I learned quickly, fear and confusion are not the same thing.

Fear shows up when God invites you to grow. There will be butterflies. There will be stretching. It wasn’t promised you’d feel cozy, and it will be easy. It will feel bigger than what you think you can handle.

Have you felt that “scary” moment before? I realized that if I have true faith and keep faithful, that means I have nothing to fear. What’s beneath the fear? It is peaceful. An odd, steady calm. A confidence that does not come from you.

Confusion feels different. The safer, easier road could feel so much better, but that comfort is covering the confusion. It clouds your thoughts. It creates doubt and frustration. Even if your intentions are good, if the path feels easy but confusing, if the path is uneasy after you have prayed and listened, then that might be God saying, “This is not the direction for you.” God does not lead with confusion. That is the enemy trying to pull you off course., using confusion, wrapped in comfort, to entice you in mediocrity and stop you from growing into who God needs you to be.

Listening to God isn’t waiting for a booming voice from the sky. It is the quick but quiet pull in your heart that points you toward what is good and honest and true. It is that peace that refuses to leave even if the choice feels risky. It is the alignment you feel when you decide to trust God more than your comfort.

Big decisions will make you check your faith. They will reveal what you believe and who you are becoming. So, pray. Listen for a quick, powerful whisper. Check your heart posture.

Then take that first step into the scary, yet peaceful, possibly heartbreakingly painful, yet definitely not confusing, unknown. What if you don’t hear a clear answer? Do the confusion test. Find the answer that brings your heart peace, even if it seems scary. What if neither are confusing? That is great news. Stay within the fence lines and choose freely and confidently knowing that He will take you where he needs you to be regardless.

Ryan Chowansky is the owner of Bluffton Builders, LLC, www.bluffton.builders.