Skip to content

Convictions, Opportunities, Decisions and Regret

Decision making is a cognitive process resulting in a belief or in the selection of one or several alternatives. Coming to the right conclusion and knowing which doors to open and which ones to close in decision making is central to the decision making process.

Making a decision is sacrifice that brings about change

All decision making involves the sacrifice. Letting go of the old for the new, requires stepping out of our comfort zones, and taking courage to follow wisdom into the path that brings us peace.  When these opportunities are taken or not taken, they will certainly have an impact on outcomes in the near or distant future.

Goals in decision making

To start the decision making process we need to clarify objectives. When the shortest distance between two points is a straight line, we can safely conclude that road map to success in decision making comes by knowing the desired outcome. Once a choice is made, it takes grit to follow through and stick to the decision.

We can’t afford to be double minded in this process if we want inner peace within ourselves.

“True grit is making a decision and standing by it, doing what must be done. No moral man can have peace of mind if he leaves undone what he knows he should have done.”  John Wayne

Convictions in decision making

Some things just don’t sit right in our Spirit. We feel a stirring within, a prompting or a ‘nudging’ to go in another direction, requiring obedience and sacrifice on our part if we are to remain in God’s perfect will for our lives.

In 2018 Frances Chan announced was Leaving the Mega Church he created due to his convictions.  Church pastors question him.

Rejecting the promises of the world in order to do what is right before God is what will allow our light to shine before all men. To Francis that light doesn’t come from leading a Mega Church, being a millionaire and owning a Lear jet. He remains humble before God and his sincerity is inspirational.

Waiting, procrastination and avoidance

We can use research to come to an understanding and we can also pray for direction.  Laying our plans before God is wise.  Together this will enable us make informed decisions requiring patience on our part. Waiting on God’s timing is vital .  However, this calls for patience.

Impatience can lead to bad decision making out of haste.   However, avoidance and/or inaction can lead to missed opportunities and living with regret.

Get Help

Some choices we need to make are definitely harder than others requiring that we seek support from a trusted listener such as a spouse, pastor or a close friend. Also consider hiring the help of a professional counsellor.

Sandra Ciminelli
Cred. Dip. Couns. (Christian)

Sources

The Christian Post – John Wayne and Steve McQueen find faith in the end.

Christianity Today – Pastors Challenge Francis Chan Over Decision To Leave Mega Church

Wise old sayings/grit quotes

Share this:
Where to get help

24/7 Helplines
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Kids Helplines: 1800 551 800
Mensline: 1300 789 978
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 46 36
Headspace: 1800 650 890

Visit Abound to find a Christian Counsellor suited to your needs.

Related posts

Aerial view of intersecting pathways across green fields, symbolising a mid-year pause, reflection and choosing the way forward.

2026 Is Approaching Half Time: Making the Second Half Count

May 27, 2026 | Faith, Featured Blog

Making the Second Half Count Ancient Paths, Deep Flourishing, and the Life-Giving Way Forward It’s almost half way through 2026—how did that happen? The year that once stretched out before us with possibility is already approaching its midpoint. For some, the first half of the year has brought momentum, clarity and growth. For others, it…

Read more
Abstract interwoven white geometric pattern representing complexity and Christian counselling formation

Faith, Psychology, and Formation in Christian Counselling

February 6, 2026 | Counselling, Faith

Learning to Hold It Together: Why Formation Matters in Christian Counselling Christian counselling is never just about learning techniques. It is about becoming a particular kind of person — one who can listen deeply, reflect wisely, and respond faithfully in the complexity of human lives. This commitment to Christian counselling formation recognises that who we…

Read more
An open interior door with light visible beyond.

Spiritual Formation, Fear, and Following God’s Call

January 24, 2026 | Faith

Ready to Change? Most people do not resist change because they are stubborn or unwilling. They resist because change asks something of them — emotionally, spiritually, and relationally. Often, the desire for change is present long before action follows. People recognise patterns that are no longer life-giving. They notice recurring struggles, emotional reactions, or relational…

Read more
Potter shaping clay on a wheel as a symbol of spiritual formation in Christian ministry

When Compassion Isn’t Enough

January 19, 2026 | Faith

Why Spiritual Formation Matters in Ministry   Most people enter the ministry of helping others because they care deeply. They are willing to show up, listen, pray, and walk alongside others in difficult seasons. Compassion is often what draws people into ministry in the first place. But over time, many discover that compassion alone is…

Read more