finding freedom in God’s will: overcoming the fear of wrong decisions.

When I go through my camera roll, I laugh at how many photos are of just my sneakers—on a hiking trail, standing on an edge, looking at an extraordinary view. And that’s how I felt the majority of my life—standing, watching, waiting, because I was afraid of life itself. I’d sit in indecision, paralyzed by the fear of making the wrong decision, and afraid to take a risk because I might make mistakes, face regret, or worse: mess up God’s will for my life and ruin my chances of making a difference. Sound dramatic? Yep, it sure was.

The Fear of Making the Wrong Decision

I believed that being a Christian meant living in constant fear of making a wrong choice. Whether it was dating, starting a business, or choosing friends, I was overwhelmed by the anxiety of potentially disappointing my Heavenly Father. I desperately wanted to hear His voice, follow His direction, and make Him proud. I thought God’s will was a hit or miss, so when I was unsure of the right choice, I chose inaction instead. But as I wrestled with these fears, I discovered a truth that changed my perspective.

God’s Word is Our Guide

The Bible gives us wisdom to guide our decision-making. As we navigate life, God allows us to make choices within the boundaries set by His Word. Often, we search so hard for God’s will when it’s already laid out for us in Scripture. For example, the Bible tells us to love God and others, to give thanks in all circumstances, obey His commandments, and make disciples (just to name a few).

If you’re debating a decision, ask yourself, “Does this decision align with the guidelines and boundaries already laid out in scripture?” If it does, then ask God for wisdom as you move forward. Trust that He will guide your steps, show you the way, and redirect you if necessary.

If a decision directly contradicts Scriptural values and commands, it’s not the right move. God’s will for our lives will never contradict His written Word. That’s why it’s crucial to read and study the Bible. Without knowing what it says, we’ll struggle to discern God’s voice.

Specific Guidance from God

You might be asking yourself, “What about when God has a specific will for me, like moving to a new city, dating a certain person, or changing career paths?” At times, God does speak to us about these topics and gives us specific guidance. It’s important to remember that when God has a specific will for our lives, he speaks to us clearly—sometimes through an open door of opportunity. When we truly desire to obey and follow God, we won’t have to drive ourselves crazy looking for His will.

Also, no matter which career path we choose—ministry, nursing, music, accounting, education—we can glorify God, serve people, and share the love of Jesus with others.

Leaving Fear Behind

I used to feel like God was playing games with me, dangling His will over my head and telling me to go find it. I now understand that God doesn’t send us on treasure hunts. When I recall my fear of messing up God’s will for my life, I see that my intentions were good, but I wasn’t living a life of freedom—I was living a life of distrust.

Extraordinary things await when we stop standing still and take the first step forward. Instead of watching from the sidelines, let’s start changing the world. Will we make mistakes? Absolutely. Will we take some wrong turns? Almost certainly. But when we do, God is mighty and powerful enough to redirect our steps and guide us onto a new path. When we walk with God, seeking to honor and obey Him, we don’t need to fear making the wrong decision. If we sincerely desire to do His will, we cannot ruin God’s sovereign plans for us.

Pray with me:

Lord, thank you that your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. As I make choices, I pray that you would lead me and give me wisdom. Thank you that I don’t have to be afraid when I’m walking with you. While I don’t know the future, I know that you will be right beside me each step of the way. Give me the strength to obey you even when it’s difficult, and help me to honor you in everything I do. Amen.

Remember, God’s grace is sufficient for us when we make a wrong turn. Read my poem about God’s grace here.

For more insight on the topic of discerning God’s will, check it this video by Jefferson Bethke.