Personal decision making while under the providence of God

[UMP]

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
Divine providence is the daily, constant, sovereign rule of our God over all things for the accomplishment of his eternal purpose of grace in predestination.
Predestination is the sovereign, eternal, immutable, unalterable purpose of God almighty, by which he ordained and ordered, according to his own will and good pleasure, all things that come to pass in time.
Divine providence is the accomplishment of God's sovereign will and purpose. Providence is God bringing to pass in time (sovereignly, absolutely, and perfectly) what he purposed in eternity. Predestination is God's purpose. Providence is God's execution of his purpose.
Nothing in the universe happens by luck, chance, fortune, or accident, or by blind fate. Everything that comes to pass in time was purposed by our God in eternity, and is brought to pass by his wise, adorable, good Providence. Nothing comes to pass in time that God did not purpose in eternity, in sovereign predestination. Nothing comes to pass in time except that which God sovereignly brings to pass in his Providence. And that which God predestinated in eternity and brings to pass in his Providence is for the good of his elect, and the glory of his name. This is clearly and incontrovertibly the teaching of Holy Scripture (Ps. 76:10; Pro. 16:4, 9, 33; 21:1; Dan. 4:34, 35, 37; Isa. 46:9-11; Rom. 11:33-36).
Providence is God's government of the universe. If we have a proper view of God's Providence, we will see the hand of God and the heart of God in everything, in all the experiences of our lives. Believers ascribe their sorrows, the judgments of God, and even the cursing of their enemies to the hand of their heavenly Father's wise and good Providence (Job 1:21; 1 Sam. 3:18; 2 Sam. 16:11-12).
God is not idle. He never needs to rest, recuperate, or regroup! God almighty, our God and heavenly Father, is always at work, governing the world. I have frequently heard preachers and religious leaders speak of sickness, poverty and war, sin, crime and cruelty, famine,
earthquakes and death, as things over which God has no control. Nonsense!
God's Providence is as 'minute' as it is 'mysterious' (Matt. 10:30). Our God has ordained the number of hairs on the heads of all. Not even a worthless sparrow falls to the ground without his decree. God's Providence is 'all inclusive'. God rules everything, great and small, everywhere, and at all times. Our God is in control of all inanimate matter. He who created all things rules all things.
Nothing in God's universe breathes or wiggles contrary to God's decree (Isa. 46:9-13).
As a wise, skilled pharmacist mixes medicine, our heavenly Father wisely mixes exactly the right measure of bitter things and sweet, to do us good. Too much joy would intoxicate us. Too much misery would drive us to despair. Too much sorrow would crush us. Too much suffering would break our spirits. Too much pleasure would ruin us. Too much defeat would discourage us. Too much success would puff us up. Too much failure would keep us from doing anything. Too much criticism would harden us. Too much praise would exalt us. Our great God knows exactly what we need. His Providence is wisely designed and sovereignly sent for our good! Let him therefore send and do what he will. By his grace, if we are his, we will face it, bow to it, accept it, and give thanks for it.
God's Providence is always executed in the 'wisest manner' possible. We are often unable to see and understand the reasons and causes for specific events in our lives, in the lives of others, or in the history of the world. But our lack of understanding does not prevent us from believing God. We bow to his will, which is evident in his works of Providence, and say, "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!"
The God of Providence rules all things well. How we ought to trust him! Ever remember, our heavenly Father is God all wise, good, and omnipotent. He is too wise to err, too good to do wrong, and too strong to fail. "
Don Fortner

Considering the above, which is gloriously TRUE, how does one make day to day decisions? I try to have God on my mind ALL the time and I keep second guessing most everything I do till I grind myself to a halt.
When having to decide on something that is not explicitly taught in scripture, what does one do? When you're not sure if you should turn right or left, which way should you turn?
Sorry I sometimes bring up silly questions, it's just something that's been on my mind.
Thanks !

 

[SobriaInebrietas]

Considering the above, which is gloriously TRUE, how does one make day to day decisions? I try to have God on my mind ALL the time and I keep second guessing most everything I do till I grind myself to a halt.
When having to decide on something that is not explicitly taught in scripture, what does one do? When you're not sure if you should turn right or left, which way should you turn?
Sorry I sometimes bring up silly questions, it's just something that's been on my mind.
Thanks !

Well personally I am not very good at making decisions anyway, but that is another story (I am looking forward to what everyone else says about this because they probably know more than I do). But...



If I am not sure which way to turn, I usually go to my husband to seek his advice (He is a much more mature Christian than I am). And if neither of us know what to do, we either try to go to a trusted Christian friend, or we go to our pastor for his kindly and wise counsel.

Sometimes if I really get stuck and I have no options available, I pray my heart out about it and then just try to make the best decision I can make at the time.

Sometimes you just have to trust that God is on your side helping you make the decision He wants you to make, remember that glorious Divine Providence, and just go for it.

If you second guess yourself to the point of screeching to a halt everytime you have to make a decision, you aren't ever going to get anywhere. I know. It happens to me all the time.



Erin

 

[bradfordl]

In His providence, He gave you intellect, and as His own, it is a redeemed intellect. Best thing I know to do is use it, avoid sin and sinful motives, pray for understanding, and decide. Remember that you devise the way but God directs your steps, and enjoy the ride.

 

[JimfromOhio]

Every Christian must decide whether they will us their liberty to decide on their moral decisions. We are free, but our freedom must prove a source of real temptation of this world. The mystery of our free will is too easy because when God said to Adam and Eve: "Thou shalt not eat from this tree." Here was a divine requirement calling for obedience on the part of those who had the power of choice and will. They had only ONE commandment. Sovereign God is the absolute, infinite, unqualified ruler in all realms in heaven, earth and sea. God governs the world (Isa. 40:22-24), the nations (Isa. 40:15-17), and us (Proverbs 16:9). We have freewill completely and God will only interfere when needed simply because God is in control and He will allow us to have freewill only if its according to His will. The "freewill" is always subject to God's sovereignty and His divine freewill. The key is that God is ALWAYS in control even in our own freewill. All circumstances are work for heavenly good and called to His purpose. Even though we can not see the purpose for the trials we are going through, we can trust absolutely that the Lord is in control of all things. Every trial in our life is a furrow being plowed by the Lord, that we grow in faith, and learn to trust ever more confidently in the Lord.

God have a spiritual goal which those of us are going through will have a positive result in the lives of others. If we could see the end result of things from God’s view point, instead of asking “Why?”, we should be responding in FAITH and allow God to use our disavantage for HIS Glory. We are to give thanks for what He allows and remember that in Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

James 1:9 The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. 2 Corinthians 12:10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. The causes for our circumstances are often God-given opportunities for our spiritual growth. What at first appear to be thorns may prove to be divine motivation to move us closer to God. Many Christian thinkers have differed regarding this from their own perspective rather than God's perspective.

Proverbs 16:9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

Proverbs 20:24 A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?

Proverbs 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.

Jeremiah 10:23 I know, O LORD, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.

Romans 8:27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.

 

[bradfordl]

In His providence, He gave you intellect, and as His own, it is a redeemed intellect. Best thing I know to do is use it, avoid sin and sinful motives, pray for understanding, and decide. Remember that you devise the way but God directs your steps, and enjoy the ride.

Man do I sound arrogant sometimes. Who am I to advise? Sorry

 

[UMP]

Man do I sound arrogant sometimes. Who am I to advise? Sorry

I don't think it is arrogant. I think it's good advise.
Kind of like a bird afraid to fly. Sometimes you have to kick it out of the nest.
Thanks.

PS. Example. Do I buy my wife a new car or not? I can afford one, but do we really need it? Theoretically she can drive the wheels off the one we have for probably 5 more years. The Toyota Sequoia has 86,000 miles but maintianed it should be able to easily reach 200,000 miles or so. Now, am I doing something wrong by buying a new car?
Keep in mind that new cars are a waste of money no matter how you try to slice the pie. Living in the United States and having a job makes me one of the richest men in the the world, statistically speaking. Am I being a wise steward or am I simply lusting after the world. You see what I do to myself

Let me see if I can answer my question by using your advice:

"In His providence, He gave you intellect, and as His own, it is a redeemed intellect. Best thing I know to do is use it, avoid sin and sinful motives, pray for understanding, and decide. Remember that you devise the way but God directs your steps, and enjoy the ride."

1. I have prayed about it, God's will being paramount.
2. I have the means to buy a new car, more or less.
3. Nothing wrong, I guess, in buying a new car.
4. My wife likes the new car and when she drove it, it made her and the kids smile. I like making my wife happy.
5. I'll try and buy the new car.

Here I have devised a way in my heart, now let's see how God directs my steps. If the dealer offers me five bucks for my trade because it eats gas, my plans will have been thwarted !!

Does my process follow your advice?

 

[UMP]

Well personally I am not very good at making decisions anyway, but that is another story (I am looking forward to what everyone else says about this because they probably know more than I do). But...



If I am not sure which way to turn, I usually go to my husband to seek his advice (He is a much more mature Christian than I am). And if neither of us know what to do, we either try to go to a trusted Christian friend, or we go to our pastor for his kindly and wise counsel.

Sometimes if I really get stuck and I have no options available, I pray my heart out about it and then just try to make the best decision I can make at the time.

Sometimes you just have to trust that God is on your side helping you make the decision He wants you to make, remember that glorious Divine Providence, and just go for it.

If you second guess yourself to the point of screeching to a halt everytime you have to make a decision, you aren't ever going to get anywhere. I know. It happens to me all the time.



Erin

I never thought of it from a womans perspective. That's very interesting. I guess being submissive has advantages I've never thought of.

 

[SobriaInebrietas]

I never thought of it from a womans perspective. That's very interesting. I guess being submissive has advantages I've never thought of.

Yes, indeed it does.

Who knows why submission is so hard for some women to accept as part of their duty to their husbands, and even as Christians. There are so many advantages. One is that I never have to make difficult decisions all by my self. And maybe sometimes it is hard to take advice from someone when you think that you have a better solution...But it works so much better that way. It keeps me humble and gives me and my husband lots of practice at being a team.



Erin

PS: I wish I could smile at my hubby and get him to buy me a new car! Hehehe.

 

[bradfordl]

Let me see if I can answer my question by using your advice:

"In His providence, He gave you intellect, and as His own, it is a redeemed intellect. Best thing I know to do is use it, avoid sin and sinful motives, pray for understanding, and decide. Remember that you devise the way but God directs your steps, and enjoy the ride."

1. I have prayed about it, God's will being paramount.
2. I have the means to buy a new car, more or less.
3. Nothing wrong, I guess, in buying a new car.
4. My wife likes the new car and when she drove it, it made her and the kids smile. I like making my wife happy.
5. I'll try and buy the new car.

Here I have devised a way in my heart, now let's see how God directs my steps. If the dealer offers me five bucks for my trade because it eats gas, my plans will have been thwarted !!

Does my process follow your advice?

I believe so. Hope it all works out.

I never thought of it from a womans perspective. That's very interesting. I guess being submissive has advantages I've never thought of.

That's what my wife says she likes about me being her head. I get to take all the lumps for my mistakes. But without her input I know I would make alot more mistakes than I do, so for that I am grateful.

 

[mlqurgw]

I have a question for you UMP. Do you know of any who could use your help more than your wife could use a new car?


2Co 8:13 For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:
2Co 8:14 But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:
2Co 8:15 As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.

 

[UMP]

I have a question for you UMP. Do you know of any who could use your help more than your wife could use a new car?

Of course I do, we all do.
For as I said previously, "Keep in mind that new cars are a waste of money no matter how you try to slice the pie. Living in the United States and having a job makes me one of the richest men in the the world, statistically speaking." (this includes you)

For given what Christ has done for ALL His children, we should all give everything away.

Matthew 19:
[21] Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

Who has measured up to this fully?

Jesus Christ and He alone.

 

[mlqurgw]

Of course I do, we all do.
For as I said previously, "Keep in mind that new cars are a waste of money no matter how you try to slice the pie. Living in the United States and having a job makes me one of the richest men in the the world, statistically speaking." (this includes you)

For given what Christ has done for ALL His children, we should all give everything away.

Matthew 19:
[21] Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

Who has measured up to this fully?

Jesus Christ and He alone.

Brother, I didn't intend to offend you. We are rich in comparision and it does include me. My question was only intended to give you something to consider. By all means if you can buy your wife a new car and make her happy do it. As I told you before, whatever God gives you ability and opportunity to do do it.

 

[UMP]

Brother, I didn't intend to offend you. We are rich in comparision and it does include me. My question was only intended to give you something to consider. By all means if you can buy your wife a new car and make her happy do it. As I told you before, whatever God gives you ability and opportunity to do do it.

Not offended at all, in fact, your post is a perfect example of why it's so difficult sometimes to make decisions, for I KNOW that I don't need 99.99999999% of everything I have !
I once discussed this with Elder Bradley and his responce was "be thankful" not in this sense: Luke 18: 11, 12
.........God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
[12] I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

But in the sense of God's daily mercy and blessings, for I know I deserve NOTHING, actually I deserve LESS than nothing, yet God still gives.
What an AMAZING GOD we have !!!!

 

[mlqurgw]

Not offended at all, in fact, your post is a perfect example of why it's so difficult sometimes to make decisions, for I KNOW that I don't need 99.99999999% of everything I have !
I once discussed this with Elder Bradley and his responce was "be thankful" not in this sense: Luke 18: 11, 12
.........God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
[12] I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

But in the sense of God's daily mercy and blessings, for I know I deserve NOTHING, actually I deserve LESS than nothing, yet God still gives.
What an AMAZING GOD we have !!!!

Honestly though, decision making need not be all that difficult. Especially knowing that God in providence and sovereignty directs all things. If you can do something without compromising your ability to help others and follow Christ's example, though not perfectly, then do what is in your heart to do. He will make it right.