Learning to Make the Right Decision, Not Just a Fast One

In review of Daniel 2:16 this morning, I read that when faced with an impossible situation that “Daniel went at once to see the king and requested more time to tell the king what the dream meant.” (NLT)

Daniel was at the crisis point. He did not shrink back in fear, but confidently believed God would tell him all the king wanted to know. When the king gave Daniel time to find the answer, Daniel found his friends and they prayed. Likewise, when I find myself in a tight spot, I should share my needs with trusted friends who also believe in God's power. Prayer is more effective than panic. Panic confirms my hopelessness; prayer confirms my hope in God. Daniel's trust in God saved not only himself, but also his three friends and all the other wise men of Babylon.

When I’m asked to do what seems impossible, start by refusing to panic and by getting all the facts. Then, ask for more time.

My biggest temptation in the midst of a crisis is to be impulsive. I’ll not be thinking rationally. I’ll be thinking emotionally. I’ll want to make a quick decision.

But it’s more important to make the right decision than a fast decision.

A wrong decision is wrong, no matter how quickly I make it. So step back, take a deep breath, calm down, and talk to God.

Daniel did this when the king asked him to interpret a dream (after the king ordered the killing of the first few people who tried): “Daniel went at once to see the king and requested more time to tell the king what the dream meant” (Daniel 2:16 NLT).

Daniel’s example gives me a great model for dealing with a high-pressure situation by asking for more time and then talking to God about it.

I’m more likely to make a better decision when I don’t rush to make a quick one. Take my time.

In summary, When Daniel faced an impossible situation, he requested more time. At the crisis point, he did not shrink back in fear, but confidently believed God. He then found his friends and they prayed. Likewise, when I find myself in a tight spot, I should share my needs with trusted friends who also believe in God's power. Prayer is more effective than panic. Panic confirms my hopelessness; prayer confirms my hope in God. When I’m asked to do what seems impossible, start by refusing to panic and by getting all the facts. Then, ask for more time. My biggest temptation in the midst of a crisis is to be impulsive. When this happens, I’ll not be thinking rationally. I’ll be thinking emotionally. I’ll want to make a quick decision. It’s more important to make the right decision than a fast one. A wrong decision is wrong, no matter how quickly I make it. So step back, take a deep breath, calm down, and talk to God and ask for more time. When I do this I'll make better decisions, so learn to take time.

Father, this is a great example for me to follow when I face what seems like impossible decisions to make. I pray that with the help from the Holy Spirit that I not panic and don’t procrastinate, but get all the facts, ask for prayer from trusted friends, ask for more time and they pray and trust God for helping me with the answer. I also ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership and my interaction with others. These things I pray through your Son Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.