“How could they pass up that gorgeous house with the jungle view and the big pool?!” I shook my head at their decision. Okay, it was half a million over their budget, and the other place was closer to their children’s school. But still, that mansion had everything!
I don’t watch television often, but when I do, I find it entertaining to watch couples hunt for a house in a new country. The realtor listens to their desires and finds the best available properties to suit the family. The couple looks at the houses (usually three or four), weighs the pros and cons of each one, and decides at the end which home they will buy.
I enjoy predicting which house they will choose, and I pick my favorite, too! Not only is the process fun to watch, but I also like seeing the new homeowners in the house a few months later and the personal touches they added.
Anyone who has gone through the process of searching for the right house in a new city will likely admit that it came with a significant amount of stress. Buying a home is the biggest purchase most couples will ever make, and it’s not a decision that tends to be impulsive (or made in a one-hour TV show).
As viewers, we sometimes see disagreements between spouses, adding spice to the episode. But in reality, this decision can really challenge a couple with differing opinions on where they want to live and the house style they hope to buy.
We face many decisions in life that require concentrated effort. These might involve research, discussing things with mentors, making lists of pros and cons, having heated arguments (you know you do!), and collaborating with our families to make the “right” choices.
We don’t see the entire procedure leading up to a choice in the TV show—we only see the result. I wonder if any participants added PRAYER to their list of decision-making strategies?
When we believe in an all-seeing, all-knowing God, we have the best resource for making life’s big decisions. God is interested in our lives and wants to be involved in them. The One who created us knows which choice is best for us and is willing to share that secret. But we have to ask.
Proverbs 3:5-6 gives it to us straight:
Philippians 4:6 also tells us not to worry but to pray about EVERYTHING, and 1 Peter 5:7 says God wants us to give Him our anxieties because He cares for us. That’s a free consultation with a Life Coach who loves us and wants the best for us!
How do we know what choice God wants us to make? If you expect an audible voice to speak from Heaven, you might be disappointed. Sometimes an answer is given through things not working out—the door is closed to that choice. Sometimes it’s a feeling of peace about one of the options. God has His ways of letting us know if we are truly listening for His input.
Since I don’t know my future, I appreciate advice from the only One who does. What about you?
Are you facing any decisions right now? Don’t worry. Pray.
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