6 Things to Consider When You Are at a Crossroad

I found myself faced with a crossroad.

Not a literal road, but one of those places in life where you must make a big decision. The decision could change my future. I was given a choice of taking a new position at a different company doing something I love, but to leave the old job would mean loss of benefits and seniority. The more I thought about it, the less clear the decision became. I asked God to make my path clear. I wished that He would reach down, hand me a map and say, “Go this way.”

Unfortunately, it’s not that easy and for me, making a big decision is hard.

As I grappled with the options, I came across some helpful verses in the Old Testament that seemed to help me with the choice.

Decisions along life’s pathways can be puzzling. The Old Testament prophet Jeremiah with the help of the Holy Spirit gave some simple advice about making decisions in Jeremiah 6:16 “This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”

6 Things to Consider When You Are at a Crossroad

Let’s look closely at this verse and consider this timely advice:

1.) Stand

“Stand at the crossroads” – Be still when faced with a decision. It’s hard to hear from God when you are
fretting or you’re too busy. Stop, stand still, and listen. In Psalm 46:10 it says, “Be still and know that I am
God.” He is God and trust He is leading you as it promises in Psalm 37:23 NLT “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” Think your options through but allow God to work.

2.) Look

“Look” past the current moment. Look up and down that road. Research the best way to go. How could this potentially affect the future? What is most important to God? Psalm 57:2 says, “I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.”

3.) Remember

“Ask for the ancient paths” – Remember those before you that have made mistakes and have crossed the
same paths before you. Remember those that have made sound decisions and have been successful. Seek
the advice of a loving Christian mentor that has experienced what you are going through.

4.) Glorify God in the Good Way

“Ask where the good way is” – All decisions should have the goal of glorifying Jesus. Pray and ask for His
direction in all that you do. Seek guidance in the Bible. If it is clearly stated in the Bible that it is forbidden
by God, don’t go that way. God wants the best for you. It’s a win-win situation: You get the best and God
gets the glory.

5.) Walk

“Walk in it”– Faith takes action. God says to walk! The opposite of faith is fear. Don’t let fear paralyze you
and keep you from taking that next step along life’s pathway. There is a term used in the business world
called “analysis paralysis.” Don’t continue analyzing and be paralyzed. Choose the road and walk, even
when the way isn’t clear. Just move one step in front of the other and walk. Don’t be afraid to dream big.
You have a big God. He can make a way when there is no way. (I Thes.5:24 NLT)

6.) Rest

“You will find rest for your souls” – There is nothing more satisfying, peaceful, and completing for your soul than to be so in tune with God. When you walk His chosen path, you are glorifying Him and that’s what we are created to do (Isaiah 43:7). In Exodus 33:14 God makes this promise, “And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” The side effect of walking in God’s will is to feel at peace with God.

Jesus desires for us to be whole and complete. He may require a choice at the crossroads to test your faith and see if you will obey. Each time we make a choice to obey, it leads to a new path. The Christian walk is exciting!

I chose to leave my comfort zone and an old job to take on a new one. I trust that Jesus is with me each step of the way and that my faith will grow.

What About You?

Do you find yourself standing at a crossroad in life? God gave us the freedom to make choices. Don’t be afraid and realize that the presence of Jesus is with you. When you encounter a crossroad, choose the “good way” and obey God. The result will be peace in your soul.