If you are facing a decision of some sort right now, I have a word from the Lord for you today. It's Isaiah 28:16 (NKJV), which says: "Whoever believes will not act hastily." In other words, when our trust is truly in God, the way it's supposed to be, we will not make a move without seeking His direction, wisdom, and help. We will take the time to pause, to get still in our hearts and minds, and to seek the Lord through focused prayer and Scripture reading. A trusting soul will believe that God really does know best, and that He always wants what is best for us.

Sometimes when we're facing circumstances that trouble us, we can be tempted to take matters into our own hands, instead of waiting on God and following the leadership of His Spirit. This strategy can actually make matters worse, and can even create a new set of problems that will leave us with feelings of regret in the long run.

Years ago, when my husband's old car died suddenly, we knew that we had to replace it quickly, so we began searching used car lots in our area. We found what we thought was the perfect car, but the price was higher than we could afford. When my husband asked the salesman if he could come down in price, the man flatly refused. As we began leaving the car lot, the salesman stopped us and said, "If you will buy this car right now, I will throw in the warranty for free!" Joe couldn't resist the offer, and he said without thinking, "You've got a deal!" The very first day that my husband was driving his new car to work, the engine blew up. He was furious, because he was sure that we had been swindled. But he knew that it would have been much worse if we didn't have the warranty on the car, which helped to pay for most of the repair expenses. To this day, Joe and I talk about this incident and its costliness when we are tempted to make a hasty decision. If we had only paused and prayed ahead of time, we never would have purchased that "lemon" of a car.

The truth is that it can be downright dangerous for us to try to hurry up God's plans for us, or to try to make something happen that is out of His perfect will or timing. Responding to situations like this only proves that we believe that we know better than God what is best for us. It is the Lord's will for us to seek His wisdom and guidance in every situation. The Bible tells us: "The Lord says, 'I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.'" (Psalm 32:8-9 NLT) This promise tells us two important things: first, that God longs to lead us into His best plans for our lives; and second, that He requires our cooperation. In order to receive God's best, we must be sensitive and obedient to His Spirit's leading at all times. Prayer and meditation upon God's Word can help us to discern the Lord's voice.

You can't even begin to imagine what the Lord has planned for you, if you will only refuse to act hastily today. Let this promise from His Word sustain and encourage you: "For from of old no one has heard nor perceived by the ear, nor has the eye seen a God besides You, Who works and shows Himself active on behalf of him who [earnestly] waits for Him"! (Isaiah 64:4 AMP)

Prayer: Lord, I long to receive Your best in every situation and circumstance. Please teach me how to do that. Give me the patience and faith I need to wait when You want me to wait, and to act when You want me to act. Help me to never rush ahead of You, or to lag behind. Remind me often that when I refuse to follow Your lead, I can miss out on Your greatest plans, rewards, and opportunities. Thank You that as I put my trust in You, and wait upon Your leadership, You will bless me, use me, and promote me in extraordinary ways!