A friend called me recently. She was struggling with a decision about the upcoming school year. She had two plans and was looking for recommendations or thoughts to help her make the decision. Should she go with Plan A or Plan B? We worked through the usual questions: What are the benefits of both plans? What are the concerns for each? Both had merit and both had concerns. There was no clear winner.

It’s likely that everyone reading or hearing this devotion is wrestling with a list of decisions now that they feel unprepared or ill-equipped to make. Different sources have conflicting information which complicates our decision making even more. The gravity of those decisions can weigh heavily on us, especially when those decisions impact those we serve, those with whom we serve, our family and friends. We want to pray about it but even then, we may struggle with what we should be praying for.

How amazing today’s verse is! How often do we look at the list of decisions, responsibilities, and tasks and feel overwhelmed? We may not even know where to start that prayer. But here is our comfort…he knows. The Lord knows. He knows you, your struggles, your challenges, your desire to make decisions that are best for the work he has given you to do. He provides the Holy Spirit who speaks on our behalf. In the Holy Spirit’s intercessions for us are God’s love for us and for all. His prayers, unlike ours, are always for God’s people in accordance to God’s will.

We all want to make decisions that align with God’s will. What is God’s will for you and for me? What is the right decision? Gather information. Ask yourself the benefits and concerns. Be sure to ask if any decision is sinful and of course, avoid that. Go to God in prayer. Keep going to the Word each day to be reminded of all he has done and his promises for you. Our confidence doesn’t come from us but from God. He eagerly hears our prayers. And know that the Holy Spirit is there, interceding for us when we are weak or the words don’t come. What a blessing to know that God not only welcomes our prayers to him, but also provides the Holy Spirit to speak on our behalf.