By: Jana Gagliardi
Have you ever had to make a tough decision? Of course, who hasn’t, right? But I am not talking about the kind where you can’t decide what shoes to wear or what to eat for lunch. No, I am speaking of the type of decision that can affect your future, a life-altering decision.
As a teenager you may not yet be faced with vital, adult-like decisions, but everyone knows there can be some really difficult choices you will have to make. Whether choosing a college, dealing with peer pressure, or picking a career, teenagers can be faced with a lot of demanding burdens.
For my part, I have encountered an extensive amount of choices. From picking friends to physical fighting, drug use to sexual pressure, and the all-important college selection. After confronting so many diverse challenges, I thought I would lend some pointers to my fellow cohorts.
In order to go about this process, you should first lay out your choices. Recognize all the options available and voice your opinion to yourself. Weigh the pros and cons of the situation and be real with yourself. Ask yourself questions: what is necessary, what will benefit you, and think about what this decision will lead to and how will it play into your destiny.
You need to pray. And when you do so, acknowledge the fact that God knows best. We cannot lean on our own understanding (as it says in Proverbs) and God knows all, so why should we not ask Him? Also, don’t be discouraged if you do not directly hear from God, but you need to be upfront, and remember he knows the true desires of your heart. Address your feelings and intentions, and be honest; the more you draw unto Him, He will draw unto you.
Other times the decision may be obvious to others, so I would advise one to seek counsel. A friend or loved one may be able to point something out that you didn’t see otherwise. In addition it is tremendously crucial that one stays accountable to someone they can trust. They will be a wise asset to the decision-making process.
Finally, think it through but don’t wait too long. Our procrastination and lack of contemplation will lead us to settling for something. Then you may be stuck in a place that you didn’t realize you wanted to end up in, and have no way of escape.
Making a decision should denote action. So take into account that “obedience is greater than sacrifice,” and you should never defy what God may say to you. When we are in this state we can feel alone and may even be in danger, but He is with us. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me,” as it says in Psalm 23:4. Make your way out of the valley of decision.
Be wary that climbing out may be tougher than you thought. The majority of the time it may be really harsh and challenging and the decisions you make may be painful. But paying that cost will make you stronger and will be worth it in the end. In fact, at one time I recall someone saying to me that the wise make decisions that create the future they desire, but the foolish make decisions that create the present they desire. What you choose today will affect tomorrow in ways you may never understand.
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