Christian couples who want to follow the leading of God must carefully seek God’s direction as they make important decisions. “If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help,” (James 1:5, The Message)
Sample Prayer for Wisdom When Making an Important Decision
“Provider of all that we need, today we stand at an intersection and don’t know if You are urging us right, left, or straight ahead. We know You hold the reins, that You are leading us by faith, but sometimes it is difficult to be sure of the way.
"How can we serve you best? What do you want of us? We are a team, devoted to fulfilling our mission to serve you, but where and in what way are we to accomplish this?
“Give us your vision, your perspective at this critical point. Make your call so clear that we step off in the same direction at the same time. Whether it be where we live, what we do, or even the timing of our plans, generate within us a like-mindedness that can only be from You.
“If the way is rough, remind us to focus on You rather than the road. If we struggle to stay together, help us measure our footsteps so that we share the burden of our common challenges and destiny. Oh, God, if we lose heart, sweeten our path with encouragement. Put a song in our hearts that eases our efforts.
“Your Word tells us that there is a time for everything. In this season of decisions, grant us clarity of mind, unity of heart and a shared sense of purpose as we remember that the direction is not as important as is the way we travel. Let our spirits rejoice and be thankful as we serve You in all that we say and do.
“We ask these things together, in unity and love, and in the name of the One Who always chose well.
“Amen.”
Making Decisions Requires Experience and Critical Thinking Skills
When important decisions need to be made, the old adage, “Two heads are better than one,” is true. Making good decisions requires experience and critical thinking skills and working together increases the resources. If poor decisions and mistakes have created problems between two people, get help. Don't wait until the difficulties seem insurmountable.
Many churches offer free or reduced price counseling programs. The Internet has many resources for struggling couples. Some types of help that are available are Christian individual or couples counseling, marriage retreats, and marriage seminars. Programs that teach critical thinking, communication skills or life skills may be helpful.
Few people are innately gifted at problem solving, it requires learned skills and the opportunity to practice them. When mistakes are made – and they usually are, at first – critical thinkers will carefully analyze what went wrong and why, so that the same mistake is not repeated. For Christian couples, God is willing to help in this process.
God wants to help believers and is always listening to their prayers. When it’s difficult to understand where God is leading, usually the best suggestion is to continue down the same path until receiving a clear message to change. Never doubt that God’s timing is always perfect.
Mistie Shaw - Writing for nearly half a century, Shaw's interests and education meander from music to the military, and from faith to fun.
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