The Set Up: How do you make decisions? Do you go with your gut? Do you jump at the first opportunity? Are you likely to overthink and struggle with a decision? Do you do your homework by asking friends for their opinions, reading reviews, and scouring the internet? Or maybe you just flip a coin and hope for the best?
For many of us, how we decide has to do with the size or importance of the decision. Need to choose which shirt to wear today? Go with your gut. Trying to decide whether to take a new job, ask a friend for input or talk to someone who works there. Choosing a house to buy, you will probably put a lot more thought into your decision. It is estimated that the average adult makes 35,000 decisions a day (no wonder you’re tired at night).
Now, what role does God play in your decision making? And how do you seek his input? One of the reasons that many people in Scripture and in history observed fasting and prayer was to hear from God or to seek wisdom in making a decision. In Acts 13, we read that many church leaders in the church of Antioch were praying and fasting. While they did so, God began to speak to them about sending out Paul and Barnabbas as missionaries. Their response was to fast and pray more to get guidance for their decision, and then they sent them out.
As we pray and fast during the season of Lent, we can believe that God wants to and will speak to us. One of the benefits of setting some things aside for Lent is that it frees and focuses our minds on Christ, and we can hear from him. If you have decisions you are trying to make and don’t have a clear answer, try fasting and prayer, asking God to give you the guidance you need.
Biblical Passage to Read: Acts 13:1-5
Reflection Questions:
• What is the hardest decision you ever had t make? How did you come to your decision?
• How much of role has prayer and fasting and seeking God played in your decision making?
• Is there something that you are asking God to show you or teach you during this Lenten season?
Prayer Focus: Jesus, I pray that you would lead and guide me during this Lenten season. As I fast and pray I ask that you reveal your purposes in my life and help me to make decisions based on your will. Thank you that give wisdom when we ask (James 1). Amen.