Before You Decide: The Power of Seeking God in Major Life Decisions

I am learning more and more to ask God about major decisions in my life. As a pastor, I want to teach others to do the same. When someone comes to me and tells me they are making a major decision, the first question I ask is "What did God say?". This is an important and vital question to the Christian that should be asked.

In life, we all face critical crossroads—decisions like getting married, moving to another state, switching careers, or making a major investment. These choices can alter the trajectory of our lives, for better or worse. Yet too often, many rush into these life-altering moves without first consulting the One who holds the blueprint of our lives—God.

The Bible is filled with examples of people who made major decisions without asking God—and the consequences that followed.

One example is found in Joshua 9. After Israel had defeated Jericho and Ai, the Gibeonites came pretending to be from a distant land, seeking a peace treaty. Instead of asking God for guidance, Joshua and the leaders made a covenant with them based on what they saw and heard:

“So the men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the Lord.”
—Joshua 9:14 (ESV)

The result? Israel was tricked into a binding agreement that they couldn’t break without dishonoring God’s name.

When we make decisions without prayer and discernment, we are left to rely on our limited human understanding.

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”
—Proverbs 14:12 (ESV)

Deciding without God can lead to:

• Regret (marrying the wrong person out of emotion or pressure),
• Restlessness (moving to a place that disrupts spiritual growth),
• Burnout (accepting a job that pulls us away from our calling),
• Financial hardship (making impulsive purchases or commitments).

It’s not that God abandons us in those decisions—He is gracious—but we may walk into seasons of unnecessary pain because we didn’t seek His will first.

The Blessing of Asking God First
God desires to guide His people. He isn’t playing hide-and-seek with His will. When we sincerely seek Him, He promises to direct us:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
—Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)

When we involve God in our decisions, we invite divine wisdom, peace, and protection. Think of King David. Before going to battle, he often paused to ask God whether or not to proceed. And when he listened, he saw victory.

When we ask God first, we can expect:

• Peace in our hearts (Philippians 4:6-7),
• Clarity through God’s Word and wise counsel (Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 11:14),
• Open and closed doors according to His purpose (Revelation 3:7-8),
• The confidence to walk boldly in faith (Isaiah 30:21).

Even when God’s direction doesn’t make immediate sense, His way always proves better in the long run.

How to Seek God in Major Decisions

1. Pray specifically and persistently – Bring your desires and questions before God. Don’t just pray once—wrestle in prayer.
2. Search the Scriptures – God speaks through His Word. What does the Bible say about the type of decision you’re facing?
3. Seek godly counsel – Talk to mature believers or spiritual leaders who will help you discern God’s voice.
4. Be willing to wait – Don’t rush. Often, the waiting season is where God works on your heart.
5. Listen for peace or check in your spirit – The Holy Spirit often confirms or cautions through inner peace or unrest (Colossians 3:15).

We were never meant to navigate life’s major moments on our own. God wants to be involved in your decisions because He cares deeply about your direction, your future, and your heart.

Before you say “I do,” pack that moving truck, or submit your two-week notice—pause and ask: “God, what do You want me to do?”

“The Lord will guide you continually…”
—Isaiah 58:11 (NLT)

When you let God lead, even uncertain paths can become peaceful ones.

Pull up a chair and lets have a conversation. Here are a few starter questions or feel free to share you thoughts below.

1. Have you ever made a major life decision without seeking God first? What was the outcome?
2. What’s one time you clearly saw God guide you after you prayed and waited on Him?
3. Which of the two columns (Deciding Without God vs. Asking God First) do you most relate to right now?
4. Why do you think it’s sometimes hard to ask God first before making big choices?
5. What’s a major decision you’re currently praying about? How can we pray with you?
6. How has seeking God changed the way you make decisions today compared to the past?
7. What verses help you stay grounded when you’re facing a tough decision?