Think Quick
While speed is good in some situations, there are times when taking your time is more worthwhile.
Reference: Rehoboam answered, “Come back to me in three days.” So the people went away. (2 Chronicles 10:5 NIV)
Explore: I’m always amazed at how quickly some sports people can respond. A cricketer can quickly jump to the left to catch a ball, a goalie can instantly dive to the right to protect his goal, and a basketballer can rebound super high to grab the ball.
There are times when speed is helpful. But being quick isn’t always the best response.
It’s important to take your time when you’re considering buying a house, it helps to take a moment before accepting a new job, and it’s good to take a few breaths before responding in an argument. While speed is good in some situations, there are times when taking your time is more worthwhile.
Application: When the king of the Israelites was asked a difficult question he asked for a couple of days to seek advice. This was the wisest thing he did in the whole chapter!
With the time he had given himself, the king was able to consult a number of people to seek advise. Sure, his final decision may not have been the wisest, but at least he went in with open eyes.
Often we just rush in to situations without consideration or thought. This can lead to saying the wrong thing, making a bad decision and having to suffer some major consequences.
When we can, it’s good to stop and take a breath, count to ten or even ask for some extra time to think. Being a quick thinker can be useful at times, but we all need extra time to consider the bigger issues.
Prayer: Lord, give me Your patience when I need it most. May I not rush in but be still and focus on You. Amen.
When have you rushed in?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.