God's Presence In The Valley Of Decision

Many professing believers today find themselves in the “valley of decision” without God’s direction (Prov 21:2). We should never follow our hearts, especially when we are emotional or angry (Prov 29:22). Because “the heart is deceitful above all things” (Jer 17:9), we’ll end up regretting the irrational decisions that we have made! Surely, we need to consider our own desire in making decisions. Paul said, “If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work” (1 Tim 3:1). However, his desire alone does not put him in the ministry. It just gets him interested. There is still the importance of his calling (Rom 11:29), and his qualifications (1 Tim 3:2-7), to “feed the flock of God” (1 Pet 5:2).

A strong desire coming from the heart should never dictate any decisions! Sadly, many marriage relationships have been broken because they selfishly followed their heart’s desire (Php 2:4). Instead of obeying God (Ps 37:23), acknowledging Him (Prov 3:6), and His word for the roles of a husband (Eph 5:25), and a wife (1 Pet 3:1). Sometimes, Christians are unable to “discern both good and evil” (Heb 5:14), because they lack spiritual growth (1 Cor 3:1). Without even spending much time in fervent prayers (Jms 5:16), or seeking godly counsel (Prov 11:14), they hastily interpret circumstances as open doors from the Lord.

They think that a more convenient path is a certainty of His confirmation and blessings upon their decision. But this is not always the case and can be very misleading (Gal 5:8). The truth is, most right decisions from God are quite inconvenient, “and there are many adversaries” (1 Cor 16:9), who will fight us along the way. Don’t be in a hurry to land your plane or be pressured! Big decisions such as marriage, career, and relocations need ample time for seeking God’s guidance (Ps 32:80). Learn to “wait on the Lord” (Ps 27:14), and make sure that He is in every decision that you make! God bless you!



- Pastor Melito Barrera