How does a Christian make a major personal decision? Is it based on finances, personal feelings, or relationships? Jesus Christ, in His prayer with the Father said, “I have given them [all believers] the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one – I in them and you in me – so that they may be brought to complete unity . . . I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them” (John 17:22-26).
Jesus Christ lives in our souls and is ready to work with us if we are ready to come to Him. The apostle James said, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). A best personal decision is realized when it is made in conjunction with Him. Charles Stanley delivered at least three messages on this subject and came up with the following checklist1 that you may be interested in during your prayers:
- Is the decision in agreement with God’s Word?
- Is it a wise decision i.e. what are the consequences?
- Can I ask God to help me achieve it?
- Do I have genuine peace?
- Is it consistent with the way God works in His Word?
- Does it fit who I am as a follower of Christ?
- Does it fit God’s overall plan for my life?
- Will this decision honor God?
- Will I regret this decision the rest of my life?
- Can I expect God to reward me for this decision?
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1 Charles F. Stanley, “How to be Sure of God’s Will,” In Touch Ministries, January 25, 2025, https://www.intouch.org/watch/sermons/how-to-be-sure-of-gods-will, accessed February 22, 2026.