Peace in the Pivot

Change is inevitable. It has been estimated that humans make around 35,000 decisions a day, both consciously and unconsciously. Each one of those decisions has the potential to change your life, even though the majority of those decisions will not. However, the hard decisions, the ones that keep us up at night, often involve navigating situations where there are no good options, only less bad ones. As Ben Horowitz powerfully articulated in "The Hard Thing About Hard Things," sometimes leadership (and life) boils down to making those incredibly difficult choices when the path forward is murky and fraught with risk. This is when true character and strategic thinking are tested.

In these moments of weighty decisions, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and alone. Yet, the Bible offers timeless wisdom for navigating such challenges. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." 1 This isn't a promise that every decision will be easy or have a guaranteed positive outcome in our earthly understanding, but it speaks to the importance of seeking guidance beyond our limited perspective, especially when facing those "less bad" options Horowitz describes.

Just as strategic thinking is crucial in the business world, discerning God's will and aligning our choices with His principles provides a deeper compass for our lives. This doesn't always provide a clear, step-by-step answer, but it encourages us to approach difficult decisions with humility, prayer, and a reliance on a wisdom that transcends our own. When the path is murky, seeking godly counsel (as we discussed in a previous article referencing Proverbs 15:22) becomes even more vital.

Ultimately, the hard decisions we face can be opportunities for growth, for testing our faith, and for developing the character that allows us to lead and live with integrity, even when the choices are painful. As we navigate these challenging terrains, may we be guided by both worldly wisdom and the unwavering truth found in God's Word.

When faced with these "hard things," the path forward isn't always clear, but there are practical steps we can take to navigate them with intention and faith:

1. Pray Deliberately and Specifically: Don't just offer a quick prayer. Dedicate time to earnestly seeking God's wisdom and guidance for the specific decision at hand. Pray for clarity, discernment, and peace. Ask Him to reveal any blind spots in your own understanding and to align your heart with His will. As Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages, lean not on your own understanding, but acknowledge Him in all your ways.

Practical Action: Schedule specific times for prayer focused solely on this decision. Consider journaling your prayers and the insights you receive.

2. Seek Wise and Godly Counsel: Just as Ben Horowitz emphasizes the need for strategic thinking and our previous discussion highlighted the wisdom of many advisors (Proverbs 15:22), surround yourself with trusted individuals who offer godly counsel. This could be spiritual mentors, wise friends, or even professional advisors who share your values. Be open to their perspectives, even if they challenge your initial inclinations.

Practical Action: Identify 2-3 individuals whose wisdom and character you trust. Schedule time to discuss your decision with them, actively listening to their input and considering their advice prayerfully.

3. Strive for Peace and Trust in the Decision Made: Once you've prayerfully considered your options, sought counsel, and made the best decision you can with the information available, strive for peace. This doesn't mean you'll have perfect certainty about the outcome (remember Annie Duke's point about probabilities), but it means trusting that you've acted in accordance with your values and sought God's guidance. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us to not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your 1 requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ 2 Jesus