A
friend shared this story:
I wanted
to refinance my house so I could reduce my monthly payments and consolidate
some debt. I went online to find some information. Shortly after I typed my
phone number in the website and before I could look at the information on
refinancing, a loan broker called me. He started in on a high pressure sales
tactic as to why his company was the best and what he could do for me and how
helpful it would be. I just wanted to get information. He wanted me to give him
all my financial and banking information over the phone and he would email me
something to sign. The more I asked questions, the more urgent he was that I
sign right away. It was getting late and I told him I would think about it and
get back to him in the morning. I felt a lot of pressure to sign that night and
wondered if I made a bad decision not signing right then.
I prayed
and asked God to guide me in making the decision. The next morning it was clear
to me that I should call my bank. They were helpful and gave me all the
information I needed. Plus, they could save me more money per month and in the
long run than the broker from the night before. I felt peace about the decision
and knew if was God that had directed me.
God is never in a hurry. When we feel rushed and
pressured to make a decision without a deep confidence of inner peace, it is
probably not God. The Bible says God is
not a God of confusion, but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33).
Author and Spiritual Director, Jan Johnson says,
“This
thief’s voice, unlike God’s voice, threatens and intimidates on the basis of
fear: If you don’t do this, you’ll be sorry. It may order you or try to force
you to do things. It is often urgent and pressing, sermonizing and demeaning:
Do this now! If you wait, all with be lost!”
When trying to discern God’s voice, remember He
is not in a hurry and will not cause more confusion in our situation. He brings
peace. If we do not have His peace about a decision, we should probably not do
anything until we do.
Have you ever felt rushed or pressured to make
a decision? Did you make the decision and regret it? Or did you wait for God’s
peace and timing?
*********************************
***This
is Day 21 of the series 31 Days of
Hearing God. I am joining others in the October writing challenge at
write31days.com.
To read more in this series click here for all the topics.
I love this reminder. especially in a world that is always in a hurry and always frantic. God is neither!
ReplyDeleteYes and I forget that Michele.
DeleteI love this so much. You sought counsel from THE COUNSELOR!!! Yay, wisdom 101!!! Beautiful post and I've had the same experience - it took me all the way to the cost of an appraisal before I knew to "flee." But all turned out well. Thank you Lord for Your grace on deposit.
ReplyDeleteYes! So true. Thanks Susan.
DeleteBeautiful! I have had the broker situation before myself. God will bring peace when we hear his voice not confusion. Such a wonder and thank you for sharing 1 Corinthians 14:33 to affirm this. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Mary!
DeleteGod is not a God of confusion but of peace, so if my decision brings no peace, it's probably wrong. My best take-away from the day. I've had this experience, but felt like I was just going on 'gut-instinct'. Looking for God's peace feels so much better!
ReplyDeleteGood! That is my take-away too. Thanks Carol!
DeleteWhat excellent advice! We've made split-second decisions before (when we bought our first vehicle 26 years ago--which we still own and it still runs great), and realized afterwards that we could have gotten a better deal if we would have waited.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you got a pretty good deal if it lasted 26 years!
DeleteThis is so good. What a great story to use as an example of how God is with us. I have felt pressured from other believers in a similar way, and you are right, that isn't from the Lord. Excellent reminder that God is not a God of confusion. I really appreciate this message.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad Natalie! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteGreat reminders! Ah...peace. I love it when God gives me peace about a decision. And it is so encouraging to know that He is never in a hurry. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks Leslie!
Delete"God is never in a hurry. When we feel rushed and pressured to make a decision without a deep confidence of inner peace, it is probably not God." <-- yes! great reminder!
ReplyDeleteFor me too Kelly!
Delete