“But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 1:20
REFERENCE:
The rumor is going around town. Mary is pregnant and is hiding it from Joseph. After many side talks, Mary tells Joseph. He is flustered, angry, indignant, and feeling cheated. He wonders who can be responsible for this pregnancy as he scans through all the men in their locality. Well, what to do? End the relationship, tell the city that Mary fornicated, and disgrace her.
Joseph dealt with the pain of betrayal and must have felt the need to pay Mary back. He formulated a plan in his head, but thankfully, he was not hasty with his decision to send Mary away, having heard about her ‘mysterious pregnancy.’ Instead, he took time to ponder the whole matter; he must have prayerfully done so. This decision changed everything for good.
In the interim of waiting and thinking, instead of acting impulsively, God sent an angel to clarify things to Joseph and instructed him about the next step. Joseph’s exemplary action is a profound lesson in decision-making. You must not be reckless and hasty in making decisions. Proverbs 19:2b says, “Haste makes mistakes.” No matter what, don’t act hastily.
Mull things in your heart, and turn them over to the Lord for guidance and direction. Give time before making decisions. Constantly commit your concerns to God in prayers and listen to Him give you counsel. Do not be swayed by popular opinion; seek counsel and let someone in on your thoughts. However, weigh the consequences and likely outcomes of your decisions.
Matthew Henry said, “It is the thoughtful, not the unthinking that God will guide.” Joseph would have missed the opportunity to be Jesus’ earthly father if he had acted impulsively and hastily without listening to God’s take on it. Likewise, your life is a product of your regular decisions, so think things through and don’t act hastily!
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL STUDY:
Proverbs 3:5-6, Proverbs 19:20, & Romans 12:2
REFLECTION:
+ Do you find it easy to think things through or act hastily? What are some challenges that pose as distractions?
+ Are there some hasty decisions you have taken in the past? Can some be remedied? How do you avoid the same in the future?
