But there are times when the Lord lays in our path a choice between two or more seemingly good options. We find ourselves at a crossroad that does not involve choosing or not choosing sin and both appearing to entail equally good and viable qualities for our future, family, and devotion to the Lord. So what do we do then? You have to choose. Which one do you choose? And how?

I know some would say, "Just choose. You really can't make a ‘mistake' because sin is not involved, and if for some reason you do make a less than best choice, God is sovereign over our mistakes as well." To that counsel, I would give a hearty "Amen!" God is sovereign - even over our mistakes - to that I can personally vouch for hundreds of times in my own walk!

But you don't really want to go down that road again do you? So what do you do?

I have heard advice on this kind of dilemma from godly men. Below I want to offer my suggestion to fellow laborers in the kingdom based on the advice I learned through listening and some through living. Here are 8 things we can do to aid our understanding of God's will for us between two good options. (No particular order!)

• 1. Take it to Prayer! It shouldn't have to be said, but sadly, we pray far less than we should and worry far more than we should. Seek the Lord's face in prayer and call on others to seek Him on your behalf as well. God has promised to answer IF we ask! ASK! And ask over and over until He answers! (Matt 7:7, Luke 18:1-8)
• 2. Examine the Facts. Leave no stone unturned. Know what you are getting into. Make lists, ask questions, do research, be observant. This will help to inform your praying so that you pray in very specific categories.
• 3. Search the Scriptures. Stay in the Word and listen for God to give you a special "word" from His Word. Be careful here. Don't approach the Bible with an agenda to "make" it say what you want to hear. Just be attentive and open. God still speaks today specifically to His children through His Word. (Ps 119:105)
• 4. Seek Godly Counsel. Proverbs 11:14 and 15:22 speak of the wisdom of much, godly counsel. Do not approach life-changing options on your own. Seek the input of godly, trusted friends who love you enough to shoot straight with you. You may or may not take their advice, but they are sure to raise issues you have overlooked or have not yet considered. And they just may have a divine word for you! Be careful not to choose those who will just try to please you and guard against slanting the conversation your way in order to influence their advice. Just lay out the facts and trust that God will direct them in helping you.
• 5. Think about your Gifting. How has God wired you? What are your God-given joys? How will you be able to utilize your gifting to the utmost for the kingdom of God? Does your particular gifting fit the particular situation or need? Will you be free to exercise your gifting and "be yourself?" God has made you who you are. Who you are speaks volumes as to where you should be and what you should be doing.
• 6. Evaluate the present Needs. In which option are the needs and expressed concerns counterpart to your gifting? More than being free to be who God made you to be is the question, "Is that who is needed here?"
• 7. Be Attentive to God-given Desire! This is the most important, albeit maybe the most subjective. But you will need to answer the question, "Where has God directed my heart?" Between the two options, where does God eventually "put" your heart? Facts are important. It is unwise and foolish to make life-altering decisions in a willy-nilly fashion! But at the end of the day, God will give confirmation not through facts but through a sense of calling - a heart for one of the options. You will know when it is God-given because you will not have generated it. You can rationalize your way to decisions - but you cannot "heart" your way. Only God can move upon the heart! Be careful here as well that your desire is God-given and not flesh-generated. How do you know? Is your choice based on the benefits you would derive or how you would be able to be spent for God's glory!
• 8. Lastly, if you are married, involve your spouse in all the above! Remember, you have been made one! God will not send you where He is not leading your spouse. If God is not calling you both now, it may be that the timing is not right. It may be that God is still preparing one or both of you. It may be that your choice is not right. It may be that God has a whole new place just beyond your sight.

Hang in there and be patient. God will speak, and He will direct your heart. He is your Father, and He is wise and good and loving!

The Lord's blessings, wisdom, and grace upon us all as we strive to live out His will for our lives!