I’m standing at a crossroad. They come at unexpected times and places. They leave me questioning what to do. Go straight, right, no left. The desire to stand still and not move is strong. I try to look out over the horizon of my life and try to predict which course will bring the best outcome. I can see obstacles in all directions. There are no guarantees. Doing nothing feels safest and easiest.

There is a problem though. Doing what is safe and easy doesn’t get me further along the journey. It leaves me as is. I know there is something more ahead. “I have great plans for you…” God says in Jeremiah 29:11.  It would be great if God would explicitly tell me which direction takes me down the right path. That hasn’t happened, so I continue to play out various scenarios in my head, anguishing for the right move, and questioning if there is a wrong move.

It is at the crossroads that where three simple steps can give us the best direction to travel. Remembering these has been beneficial to my mind and heart.

1. Pray: Scripture makes it very clear that seeking God first will always bring the best result. Seeking God will make the path straight. I know that in spending concentrated time with Him my heart will know the right path. My brain will slow down and clarity will enter.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (James 1:5 ESV).

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. (James 3:17 ESV).

2. Seek counsel: I say this all the time, but we weren’t meant to do this life alone. Seeking others counsel can bring wisdom and discernment to any crossroads.  Another’s perspective can help us see further down the road.

3. Follow your heart: I know it sounds a little trite. I believe God speaks to our heart and uses others to speak to our heart. As the scripture says, His wisdom is peaceable and gentle, so where I have peace is a good indicator of the right direction.

We will all face crossroads at various times in our lives. Knowing how to discern the right road to take is easy when we seek God first. It’s not always our first instinct, but it will make paths straight.

Are you at a crossroads? Are difficult decisions in front of you? How are you making your decisions? How have you had success? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.