Devotional

Overcoming Our Initial Reaction

Michael Beck

“He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.” (Matthew 21:29)

Wise people pray before they make decisions. Unless their hearts have been fully prepared by the Lord for a course of action, they do well not to give either a quick “yes” or “no.” There is nothing wrong with saying, “Let me pray about it.”

When we are willing to take all our thoughts and feelings to God, with a heart that wants to know how He thinks and He feels, we are in the best position to make a wise decision. Without God’s counsel we are apt to regret our snap decisions based on our initial reactions.

Walk softly before God and man. Be quick to hear what God has to say before you make up your mind about anything. Jesus said, “As I hear, I judge.” And if you’ve been quick to speak, saying “No” where God would have had you say “Yes;” return, even if it has to be with hat in hand, and say, “God changed my mind, I will.”

Better late than never.


Michael Beck is a pastor in the Dallas, TX area and the main author on Signpost. Receive a daily devotional he publishes every morning via email.