What to do when you are facing a big decision

Should I stay in my current job, or change employers?

Start that new business?

End this relationship now, or wait to see if things improve?

Should I study further? Or start working? Or both?

Should I buy that house?

Or have another child?

Big decisions.

Ever been there?

Of course you have. Me too.

So, how can we know what to do?

Scripture has an answer.

It’s found in Judges 6:36-40.

Then Gideon said to God, “If you are truly going to use me to rescue Israel as you promised, prove it to me in this way. I will put a wool fleece on the threshing floor tonight. If the fleece is wet with dew in the morning but the ground is dry, then I will know that you are going to help me rescue Israel as you promised.” And that is just what happened. When Gideon got up early the next morning, he squeezed the fleece and wrung out a whole bowlful of water.

Then Gideon said to God, “Please don’t be angry with me, but let me make one more request. Let me use the fleece for one more test. This time let the fleece remain dry while the ground around it is wet with dew.”So that night God did as Gideon asked. The fleece was dry in the morning, but the ground was covered with dew. (NLT)

Gideon was looking to get the answer to one huge question:

“Is this you, God?

If it is, then show me clearly.

I love it!

Gideon was so practical.

He put out a fleece.

“God, if the fleece is wet and the ground dry, I will know it is you. And the next night, could you do the opposite? Just so that I can be absolutely certain?”

When you have a big decision to make, why not put out a fleece?

Do something active, something practical, and invite allow God to lead through that practical step?

Send out your CV.

Go for the interview.

Get out there and go on some dates.

Apply for your Honours year.

Discuss your relationship with your partner and put some practical next steps in place.

Test the business idea with a few trusted people.

Get your property valued.

Ask the bank for a bond.

You get the idea.

Put out a fleece.

Rather spend your time and energy and prayer figuring out what fleece to put out. 

Then just take that simple next step.

And watch God lead.

After all, ships were made for the ocean, not the harbour.