THINK IT OVER

“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 you Mary your wife…” Matthew 1:20

REFERENCE:

Matthew 1:18-25

Joseph had a relationship crisis at hand; his patriarchal society would applaud him if he took the popular decision. His fiancé, Mary, with whom he had just gone through premarital counseling and whose parents he had ‘officially’ met, was pregnant and he knew nothing about it. The culture required that the wedding ceremony process stops, the dowry is returned, and she is killed for infidelity or at least her family disgraced.

I can imagine Joseph’s pain from being betrayed, the urge to end the relationship, send her packing, make a social media post about how unfaithful ladies are, and how he broke up with her. This is when other prospects (or previous dates) begin to look attractive, abortion is an option, or you assemble the boys to tell them how a woman you loved used and dumped you.

But thank God Joseph was a thoughtful man who did not act impulsively; he was not quick to send Mary away when he learned about the ‘mystery pregnancy.’ Instead, he took time to think it over and to weigh all available options; this he may have done prayerfully. While he thought it over, God sent an angel to clarify things and instruct him on the next line of action. What would have happened if Joseph had sent Mary away or aborted the pregnancy? That singular action would have jeopardized the salvation and fate of many; the consequence of an impulsive decision by one man would have affected many generations down the road.

Do not be brash and hasty in decision-making. Learn to think things over, as the first option may not be the best. Remember that one decision, good or bad, can have far-reaching effects for generations to come. So, learn to pause, pray and think; that is how you open the door to divine counsel, guidance, and direction. Matthew Henry said, “Those who would have direction from God must think on things…It is the thoughtful, not the unthinking that God will guide.”

Do not think you do not have time, neither let anyone pressure you into making decisions you are not sure you have God’s leading to. Do not be pressured to buy something you have not thought and prayed about. Do not drop everything you are doing, change your career, relocate to another city/country, break up your marriage, leave your church, or resign from your job without thinking it over. Give it time, ponder it in your heart, and allow God to have a say.

PHOTO QUOTE

ADDITIONAL TEXTS:

Proverbs 3:5-6, Isaiah 30:20-21 & Luke 14:28-30

PRAYERS:

– Lord, make me a man of thought. May I be of a calm spirit, thoughtful, and seek Your counsel on matters that pertain to my life.

– I will not jeopardize my destiny and those of my family members, because of thoughtlessness.

– Father, I receive Your counsel on every critical decision I need to make today, in Jesus’ name.