God is a Part of Life's Everyday Choices

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21
 
Karli’s hands went up in frustration. “I just don’t know what to do!” In the grand scheme of life, Karli’s situation was no big deal. But to her, at this moment, it was the only thing on her mind. Karli’s dad wanted to put this decision into perspective, and her mom knew that by this time next week Karli would hardly remember today’s agonizing dilemma. While a firm follower of Christ, it was tough for Karli to see what God wanted her to do in this situation. 
 
How do you encourage your kids to recognize God's agenda in their everyday situations? We may not believe that God wants to pick out the clothes we wear today, but still hold fast to the conviction that God is intimately personal, involved in the daily affairs of our lives. Ultimately we want to instill this belief into our children, and help them discern God’s “nudges” in our everyday choices. A few thoughts to consider:

1. God’s voice, and yours. When asked to describe God, most kids end up describing Him in a way that mirrors their experience with their earthy parents. This can be very good, or not. Regarding the voice of God, children naturally learn that inner voice which tells them what they should or shouldn’t be doing. Can you still hear your own Mom’s voice at times? “Don’t touch that!” “Okay, know when to stop.” Our kids learn to sense God’s presence in life’s daily decisions because they have learned at home to sense their parents' voices of instruction and encouragement. "What would Mom or Dad say I should do?" ultimately grows into “What would Jesus do?”
2. Options, options! When a child is frustrated over a decision, it may not be from a lack of options. Rather, it might be their inability to wade through too many choices. So ask the simple question, “What are your options?” When those possibilities are brought into the light, some will stand out as better than others. Selfish options become evident, as do choices that reflect scriptural principles of grace, kindness, and helpfulness. 
3. Asking God. Once the options are clear, ask the next question: “What do you think God wants you to do?” Pray together about the decision, asking God to clarify the right path. Ask Him to show which choice to make, or which way to turn. Cultivating the relationship between your child and God through prayer is a key point of spiritual instruction. Lead by example, and show your children how to prayerfully consider God’s interest in life’s everyday choices.