According to AI, crowdsourcing is the practice of obtaining ideas, services, or content by soliciting voluntary or paid contributions from a large, online group of people.

Asking for recommendations on social media is oh-so-trendy!

The concept actually goes back to the ancient world. Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, wrote in the book of Proverbs, “Without guidance, a people will fall, but with many counselors there is deliverance” (11:14, CSB).

He also wrote, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (15:22, NIV).

And, “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance” (1:5, NIV).

One of the best perks of having godly friends or belonging to a good Bible teaching church is that there is collective wisdom to be found. Seek out people who have known Jesus for a long time and who spend time in His Word consistently. You might even meet with them several times to talk about the decision you’re trying to make. Give them time to pray over it and to seek the Scriptures for verses to help you. Pray together!

Some of the best counsel I’ve received has been from people 10-30 years older than I am. I love and value their perspective and knowledge. They are deep, deep wells of tested faith. They KNOW things! They know GOD.

Don’t be hesitant to ask people you trust to help you with a decision. There is zero shame in that. In fact, according to the wisest man who ever lived and God Himself, it shows wisdom.

One word of caution, however. In contrast to the indwelling Holy Spirit and the Bible, people are flawed. Even the godliest, best-intentioned people can misread a situation. We humans simply don’t have all the facts in the bigger picture of life.

So listen to godly counsel, pray together, pray over it yourself, make notes of what you think the Lord is saying, and when it’s time, make the decision you have the most peace about. If you are sincerely seeking God’s will, He won’t punish you for making a “wrong” decision. If you’re doing your best, He’ll help and bless you. Although, He may redirect you afterward, if it wasn’t exactly what He had in mind.

Even in that, God is good and has good plans for you. Commit your ways to Him, trust Him, and take that step forward.