Every day we face choices! We make decisions! Whether we decide to do the right thing, the wrong thing or no-thing – each is a choice. And every choice has consequences. The Bible reminds us in Galatians 6:7that we ‘reap what we sow’. Stephen Covey, the highly acclaimed author, provokes a similar challenge when he writes, “sow a thought, reap an action; sow an action, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny.” It’s a great reminder that our lives are formed by the decisions we make, and the decisions we make say a lot about who we are – or maybe more importantly – who’s we are.

With this in mind, we’re thinking about the fifth disciple-making question that’s worth regularly asking yourself – and your close Christian soul-friends.

What decisions are you facing, that need wisdom and courage from God?

Guess what? Your wisdom is limited. And yet God’s wisdom is limitless. Not only that, but God’s wisdom is perfect and when we make choices that line up with God’s wisdom we can be assured that we’re making decisions that are for our very best (Psalm 19:7) – even if at times it doesn’t make sense or is costly.

No wonder Jesus’ brother James wrote in James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” What a promise? And what an invitation? So why not get in the habit of asking God for His wisdom everyday for the decisions you’ll inevitably face. Remember, wisdom is a gift of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:8). Choose God’s wisdom over worry. Jesus invites us in Matthew 6:28-34 to let go of worry and put God first, trusting that God will help us make sense of life and sort things out.

Of course, the challenge in decision-making is not just to know the right thing to do BUT then to go ahead and DO IT! Which is why we need courage too!

At the beginning of the Old Testament book of Joshua we see a new leader of God’s people. Joshua is about to lead the people in to The Promised Land after forty years of wandering in the wilderness. As you read the book of Joshua you’ll discover the challenges he faced on a regular basis that demanded God- honouring wise decisions. No wonder God tells him – three times – in Joshua 1:7 to ‘be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do.’

So are you facing important decisions right now? And how do are handling everyday decisions? Get in the daily habit of asking God for his wisdom and courage. Allow the word of God (the Bible) and the people of God keep you sharp and accountable for embracing God’s very best in all that you do – and then see what fruitfulness you will reap as a result.

Bring it on!