Perhaps you are grappling with some big decisions. Maybe you’ve been offered a promotion at work, a chance to expand your business, or an opportunity to do something really big. How exciting! But, as a Christian, how should you approach a big, exciting opportunity? What should you do with the big decision in front of you?

1. Be Thankful – You’ve obviously been offered this opportunity because you’ve worked hard, and now you’ve been recognized for your efforts. Don’t allow the sinister disease of pride to infest your heart. Stay humble and be thankful. Continue to work hard in your current station (don’t fluff an inch) but thank God for this big opportunity in front of you. The Apostle Paul is clear in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
2. Start Praying & Fasting – You need wisdom. Thankfully, we have a promise from our great God in James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom (and you do), let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” Pray. Pray. Pray. You need God’s wisdom. Yes, you need that wisdom from above that is “pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17). Pray, but also fast. Abstain from food at certain intervals, over a period of time, and devote yourself instead to prayer, specifically on the big decision in front of you. Why fast? Because Jesus modeled this discipline for us in places like Matthew 4 and commanded us to practice this discipline in places like Matthew 6.
3. Get Godly, Wise Counsel – “In an abundance of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14b). Start talking to the godly people in your life. Talk with your pastors. Talk with your Christian friends. Talk to your mom and dad. Surround yourself with people who love you and will speak truth to you. Get their insight. Get their perspective. Ask them for their godly, wise counsel. Weigh their words carefully, paying special attention to any Scripture passages that they present to you. In general, there is no such thing as too much godly, wise counsel.
4. If Married, Strive For Unity – If you’re married, you are in a one-flesh relationship (Genesis 2:24). Your spouse was uniquely gifted to you to help you with many things, not the least of which is sorting through big, exciting opportunities. Strive to lovingly get on the same page. Resist the urge to coerce your spouse. If this big opportunity is from God, there is no good reason to sell this opportunity to your spouse. Talk it out. Pray it out. Pray and fast together on the issue. Strive for unity in your big decision.
5. Actually Make The Big, Big Decision – At the end of the day, you have to make the big decision. Certainly, you should pray and fast, get godly and wise counsel, and think through the decision very carefully. But do not overthink the decision to death. Make the big, big decision and thank God for the clarity and peace that He provides to you in what you decide to do. Philippians 4:7 states, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”