Making the Best of a Bad Decision, by Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer

The first thing that caught my eye about Making the Best of a Bad Decision: How to put your regrets behind you, embrace grace, and move toward a better future, written by Dr, Erwin W. Lutzer, is the cover illustration portraying two vividly yellow lemons and a glass half-full (or perhaps some might say half-empty) of their tart juices. We probably have all at one time or another experiences in some small way what this simple piece of artwork intends to portray – a decision or experience that later realize we have learned from and grown through, but really kind of wish could have gone differently or perhaps never occurred. Sad when dealing with minor situations and tragic when dealing with life altering decisions that profoundly shape our lives and the lives of those around us. When decisions like this have been made, however, do you despair or do you cling to the cross of Christ for grace in our time of need and wisdom to pursue God’s best?

Dr. Lutzer is the senior pastor of The Moody Church in downtown Chicago and is well-respected for his wisdom and spiritual guidance to those whom he serves in pastorate as well as to the listeners who tune in to via radio or online to hear his broadcasted teaching.  In this book, he offers hope to those who currently are struggling with regrets large or small, and shares biblically ways to live a restored future. He highlights the following possible decisions that may have brought regrets: choosing what you feel is “second best”, marrying the wrong person (note: his belief and definitely my own is that once married… you are married to the right person for you!), financial decisions gone awry, choosing to cross a moral boundary, choosing a vocation you want out of, realizing something you have done has caused another pain, and then ultimately the worst scenario of a decision gone wrong- failing to prepare for eternity. There is also a chapter on how to make wise decisions biblically.

This book closes with a practical discussion guide.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”