I made a decision recently that defies conventional wisdom. You know, conventional wisdom that “they” are experts at speaking to the masses. “They” say do this and “they” say don’t do that. Sometimes it seems like everyone wants to give their opinion and make sure you do what “they” would do. Over the years I’ve found that “they” don’t know me and that we don’t live in a one size fits all world.

It took me about six months to make this decision and it probably shouldn’t have taken that long. As I listened to the advice, my spirit waffled between excited and fearful. It took me way too long listen to what God wanted for me and what I wanted for myself. If I could have known the peace I would experience, I would have pulled the rip cord a lot sooner than I did.

Are you in a place of making decisions about what you should do? Ever wonder if you should listen to the infamous, faceless “they”? Here’s some of my thoughts on that.

Listen to your heart and what God is speaking to you. If you get quiet enough, you will know whether a decision is right for you or not. Seeking advice from other people or the internet is okay, but only you and God can know what’s right in each circumstance. I find that writing out the pros and cons, or fears and excitements helps to solidify my thinking. Facing all the outcomes helps to put them into perspective.

Do turn to trusted people in your life. I have those people who know me well and can see things that I can’t when I’m in the midst of life. Sometimes I want to just keep it all to myself but those that I turn to offer things I can’t see. It also helps to talk out all the aspects. One of the best questions I was asked recently was “what’s the worst that can happen?” That person then helped me to see that the worst wasn’t so scary. I couldn’t do that on my own.

Take the conventional advice with a grain of salt. It may be good advice, but only you can decide that. Don’t feel pressured to do what everyone else is doing. Take your decision to the Lord in prayer. He will steer you in the right direction. As long as you’re following your heart, not breaking any laws, either God’s law or man’s law, and not being completely reckless I believe you should take the step that is right for you.

Big decisions can be hard. We all want to make the right choice. Often the decision that is the hardest and scares you the most, is the one that will grow you in ways you could never imagine. Trust yourself and trust God in that decision.

Let’s talk. What do you find helpful when you’re wrestling with a big decision?

Photo credits:

Man at crossroads: Photo by Vladislav Babienko on Unsplash

Doors: Photo by Robert Anasch on Unsplash