We all face decisions in life. Some are small, like what to eat for lunch. Others are big and life-altering, like who to marry or what job to take.
As a believer, you don’t want to just rely on your understanding. You want to make spirit-led choices that honor God and align with His perfect will.
Making decisions in God’s way brings wisdom, peace, and success into your life. It’s living life on a higher plane than just human understanding can provide.
So how do you consistently have the Holy Spirit guide your choices? Let’s explore Bible-based keys to making spirit-led decisions.
1. Ask God for Wisdom
The first step is always asking God for wisdom concerning the decision you need to make. James 1:5 tells us,
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
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God promises to give us wisdom generously when we ask in faith. Don’t doubt that He will provide direction! James 1:6-7 warns us,
“6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord.”
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So the starting point is to pray for Godly wisdom regarding the choice at hand. Admit that you need Him to guide and enlighten you.
God delights in giving understanding to His children who sincerely ask Him.
2. Seek Godly Counsel
The next step is to seek godly counsel. Discuss the decision with wise, trusted leaders who are full of the Holy Spirit.
Get their perspective and listen if they have insight from the Lord. Proverbs 11:14 says,
“Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.”
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It’s wise to prayerfully consider the advice of spiritually mature Christians who know you and want God’s best for your life.
They may be able to see things you can’t. The Holy Spirit may speak through them to confirm or refine your direction.
3. Take Action and Follow Peace
Once you’ve asked God for wisdom and sought godly counsel, it’s time to step out in faith.
The Holy Spirit typically leads us step-by-step. He does not give us the whole plan upfront.
Take the first action, wait to sense God’s peace, or lack of it to direct your next step after that.
For example, say you’re considering a job change. You’ve prayed and gotten advice. Now start the application process!
If as you interact with the hiring manager, you sense a “scratchy” feeling or lack of peace, it may be the Holy Spirit telling you this isn’t the right fit after all. Don’t ignore that uneasy feeling – it’s there to guide you!
The Bible instructs us to “follow after…peace” (Hebrews 12:14) and to let Christ’s peace “rule in your hearts” arbitrating our choices (Colossians 3:15).
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.”
Colossians 3:15 (NKJV)
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When you feel uneasy or a lack of peace, it’s a sign to pause the decision. The Holy Spirit will always lead you in the ways of peace.
4. The Holy Spirit Bears Witness With Your Spirit
The Holy Spirit bears witness to guide our actions. This happens after we step out in faith, not before.
He will confirm the right action with supernatural assurance and conviction in your spirit. Bearing witness follows your obedient step forward as the Spirit directs you along the journey.
For example, when the Prophet Samuel was seeking the next king of Israel in 1 Samuel 16, God had already chosen David but did not tell Samuel upfront. The Lord instructed him to go and anoint one of Jesse’s sons.
One by one, Samuel observed them to see if God would bear witness to who God had chosen.
Only after David finally appeared did the Lord confirm he was the one. God bore witness after Samuel acted in obedience to go to Jesse’s home.
5. Follow God’s Love
Another way the Holy Spirit leads is through compassion and love. When you suddenly feel deep care or concern for someone, it’s often the Spirit prompting you to reach out or help meet their need.
For instance, you may be going about your day when unexpectedly someone comes to mind that you haven’t contacted in a while.
You’re filled with affection for them and a desire to call or text. That’s likely the Holy Spirit leading you to follow His love. Act on that divine compassion!
6. Visions Confirm Direction
Visions are one of the miraculous ways God communicates guidance to believers.
However, don’t seek visions first or demand them from the Lord. If it’s truly from Him, a vision will come unexpectedly.
In 2 Corinthians 12:1 (NIV), Paul mentions receiving a vision from the Lord.
“I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to be gained, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord.”
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This vision came while he was actively ministering on his missionary journeys.
Visions serve to confirm the direction once you are already moving by the Spirit’s leading.
7. Be Spirit-Directed, Not Inactive
Being led by the Spirit doesn’t mean passively waiting for Him to tell you every detail before making a move. Jesus said in John 5:17,
“My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.”
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God is always active, and He wants us to be actively walking in the gifts and talents He’s given us.
Rest is directed activity, not inactivity. The Holy Spirit will lead you to act, take initiative, and keep moving forward.
Don’t get stuck in neutral just waiting for Him to supposedly “tell you” the entire plan. Take small steps of faith in the right direction and He will continue guiding your path.
8. Focus on Being God’s Child
Most importantly, remember your identity as a beloved child of God.
The Holy Spirit bears witness to this relationship first and foremost. Romans 8:16 promises,
“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.”
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Everything flows out of knowing we belong to Him. When making decisions, don’t start by stressing about details.
First, remember you’re His cherished son or daughter. From that secure place of perfect love, you can ask what your gracious Father wants you to do.
You’ll act based on being His child, not just chipping away at a “to-do” list.
9. The Holy Spirit Teaches Us All Things
Jesus promised His Spirit would lead us into all truth. John 14:26 (NIV) tells us,
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
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There’s no area of life where He cannot or will not guide us! The Holy Spirit will teach you all things for success and profit as you follow Him.
Deuteronomy 8:18 makes it clear that God is the giver of power to get wealth. And Isaiah 48:17 declares,
“I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you by the way you should go.”
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Making spirit-led decisions results in blessings, prosperity, victory, and good success in every area of life.
There’s no situation you face where you cannot hear and obey the voice of the Holy Spirit!
Key Takeaways
- Ask God for wisdom first when facing decisions.
- Seek godly counsel secondly for guidance and perspective.
- Take action, then let peace or unrest guide your next step.
- The Holy Spirit bears witness as you obey, not the other way around.
- Follow God’s love by having compassion for others.
- Visions confirm direction once we’re already moving as directed by the Holy Spirit.
- Being led means actively following, not passively waiting.
- Focus on being God’s beloved child, not just checking tasks off.
- The Spirit speaks to every area of your life, including prosperity and success
Conclusion
In summary, making spirit-led decisions results in the blessing, peace, and victory of walking in God’s perfect will.
As you practice hearing the Holy Spirit’s voice in our small daily choices, you’ll recognize His guidance more clearly when big decisions arise.
The more you rely on the Spirit, the more you’ll learn to thrive in the center of His will.
By following His leadership step by step, you can live life with wisdom and power far greater than you possess.
You were created to walk with the Spirit, and there’s no better way to live!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What if I don’t feel peace about any of the options?
A. Keep seeking the Lord in prayer. Ask trusted Christian counselors to stand with you in faith for clarity.
Take time to abide in God’s presence and listen for His voice. He promises to lead and guide you His child.
Q. What if people give me conflicting advice?
A. Consider whether someone may have a blind spot or wrong motive. Our human insight is limited.
Ultimately ask the Holy Spirit to show you whom to listen to. Let His peace act as umpire of the various counsel.
Q. What if I step out but don’t sense the Spirit’s witness?
A. If you don’t have peace after taking action, pause and wait for further guidance.
Review whether you may have missed His voice earlier. But take heart – you’re still learning to recognize the Shepherd’s voice and follow Him! Don’t get discouraged.
Q. Can I ever be 100% certain of God’s guidance?
A. On some occasions, God may give a supernatural sign that provides complete certainty about His will, such as a vision or dream.
However, His usual way is to lead step by step. If you walk in humility and obedience, He promises you will hear His voice.
Q. What if I make the wrong choice?
A. Admit the mistake to God, then receive His forgiveness. Repent and turn in a new direction if necessary.
Ultimately no choice can thwart God’s sovereign plans. Let Him use your mistakes to teach you. His grace is greater than any wrong turn you make!
