When making a decision, it's helpful to rely on more than one category.

Even if you think you know the answer after utilizing only one category, it's wise to use one or two more to help you to be sure you get it right.

Let’s look at how to use these decision-making categories.

The 1st category is … THE WORD

The first place to look for guidance is in the written Word.

This will increase your faith that I am guiding you in making a good decision.

The 2nd category is … GODLY COUNSEL

Your parents can help you in making decisions and advise you on what is good for you.

It’s important to see if they agree with your decision or have any points to consider in your decision. This is especially necessary if you need their help.

“The wise listen to advice.”³

The 3rd category is … DIRECT REVELATION (prophecy, visions, and dreams).

A prophecy or hearing from Me is a direct revelation.

After counseling with your parent or teacher, you can also ask Me for advice.

“Do any of you need wisdom? Ask God for it. He is generous and enjoys giving to everyone” (James 1:5 ERV).

A vision (pictures you see in your mind when praying) or a dream will sometimes be a direct revelation, and you should ask Me what it means.

The 4th category is … THE VOICE OF THE WORD

Many times when you ask for My help in making a decision, I may bring to mind Bible verses or stories.

Also, when you are reading the Bible or studying a Bible-based class, I like to point out to you a certain verse or sentence and tell you, "This is for you. I have more to tell you about this."

So when something jumps out at you from your Bible studies, or you think I might be speaking to you through something that you are reading, stop and ask Me about it so I can explain more.

“Your word is like a lamp that guides my steps” (Psalm 119:105 ESV).

The 5th category is … OPEN AND CLOSED DOORS

When I’m supportive of doing something, I make it possible to happen. That’s like opening a door that you can go through.

Sometimes, I encourage you to wait because I haven't opened the door or prepared the way yet.

And sometimes I might encourage you by opening the door (make things happen).

The 6th category is … DESIRE.

This clue isn't nearly as important as the first five.

Even if you have a desire to do something, that doesn't mean it's good to do it.

You should still ask your parents if they agree with the plan.

Because you are young, your parents might also have some thoughts about your decision.

And remember to ask Me to help you want what is best.

Read Psalm 37:4.

The 7th category is … FLEECES

Sometimes, for extra proof, you might want to do something I’ll refer to as setting a fleece.

That’s something Gideon did to be sure he understood Me correctly.

Read about it in “Gideon and the Fleece.”⁵

The most important categories are the first three.

It’s good to include some or all of these three categories in making a decision.

You won't always use the seven categories in the same order.

For example …

Sometimes you might have a dream first.

And then next you ask for godly counsel.

Or maybe you know of an open door for something.

And then you need to counsel.

And sometimes I'll lead you through your godly counselors to use additional categories to help with your decision or maybe even to use all seven.

That way you can make the best choices.

There are times when you think you've settled on the right decision...

... when you decide to check if there is any more input to help you be sure it’s the right choice. It’s also okay to repeat a category you’ve already used.

This way you can gain more helpful input for your decision.

You can be sure that when you want My guidance for your decision that I will give you the help needed to make a good choice.

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you” (James 1:5 NLT).

You might not always get what you want when you are asking for help to make a good decision, but I promise you that you'll always get what you need.

And that will make you the happiest in the long run.

Footnotes:
¹ Proverbs 3:6 ERV
² Psalm 25:9 NLT
³ Proverbs 12:15 NIV
⁴ Ecclesiastes 4:9 KJV
⁵Judges 6:36–40