Spiritual Discernment and Decision Making

Written by Amanda Allums
 
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).

My husband and I have been in ministry for 22 years. We were youth pastors for 7 years and have been lead pastors for the last 15 years. We have counseled many people of all ages, but we have heard 2 questions over and over again:  
 
1. “How do I know I am making the right decision?”
2. “How do I know the will of God for my life?”

I am going to break down this scripture so we can better understand how we can know what we need to do; and so we can know the best decisions to make as life happens, and feel confident that they are the right decisions. No one will make the right decision 100% of the time, but hopefully this scripture will give you the confidence you need in order to know how to get to that place of peace in knowing that things don’t always go according to plan, but it’s okay, because God is always in control no matter what.
 
Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world”:

1. You are a Christian and must desire to live according to God’s Word.
2. You do not base your success off of the world’s standards.
3. You do not look for accolades in order to feel important or loved.

 
“But be ye transformed by the renewal of your mind”:

1. You replace lies that the world has taught you for truth that is in God’s Word. You read God’s Word so it can get down in your heart, mind, and spirit.
2. You no longer think like you used to before Jesus came into your heart.
3. You do what you know is right in the eyes of the Lord, no matter what anyone else around you is doing or saying.

 
“That by testing you may discern what is the will of God”:

1. You will be tested! You must recognize when we are being tested by the devil or by God (that is when discernment kicks in from the reading of God’s Word).
2. Your confidence comes from the Lord.
3. You no longer see a trial as the end or allow it to control your life because the scales have been removed from your eyes and you now see life’s circumstances through a spiritual lens. 

 
“What is good and acceptable and perfect”:

1. You recognize the truth from a lie because you know God’s Word.
2. There are good things, acceptable things, and perfect things. God has a perfect will for your life, but there are also things He will allow that are good or acceptable based on your heart, intentions, and decisions along the journey. 
3. When you read your Word and pray on a regular basis, God is speaking to you, but you must allow whatever He tells you to become who you are, or your flesh will try and override the perfect decisions (God’s perfect will for your life). The flesh must be crucified daily.
4. Don’t settle or make rash decisions. Pray and ask yourself, “What does God’s Word say about this?”

 
So, next time you find yourself having to make a tough decision or are praying to know the perfect will of God for your life, remember that God has a plan for you and He doesn’t cause harm to you. Apply what you have read in God’s Word and trust that still, small voice because God won’t ask you to do anything negative or bad and the devil won’t ask you to do anything positive or good.
 
If you truly believe what God’s Word says and do it, you will have a firm foundation to stand on when you face trials and tough decisions. And you will have peace about whatever you decide when your decision is based on His Word.
 
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24).