Wait a Second Before That Yes or No

Have you ever signed up for something, or turned an opportunity down, only to later regret that decision?

Maybe you are the one who gets caught up in a conversation, and find yourself making a long term decision in a matter of seconds; or maybe you are the one who is so scared of doing something new, that you find yourself saying "no", and later wishing you would have said "yes".

You find yourself in a situation when someone asks if you can help, and it ends up being the day you were finally going to take a day off; or you agree to help with something at the church, even though you are already completely overwhelmed.

Maybe someone asks if you would like to go on a trip, and by the time you realize you would like to go, you already missed the opportunity; or you decline an offer to be a part of something, and end up watching from the outside wishing you would have chosen to be involved.

Regret is an ugly feeling.

Proverbs 13:15 says "Wise people think before they act; fools don't, and they even brag about it!"

To those of us who frequently rush into a "yes", this verse is especially hard to hear. Not only do we agree to do more than we should, we even brag about how busy we stay!

Many times these types of decisions can lead to feeling overwhelmed, and perhaps even feelings of anger or bitterness toward others because you are spread too thin.

God desires that we be a part of things, but not a part of everything!

Luke 14:16-20 says "A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.' But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.' And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I must go examine them. Please have me excused.' And another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.'"

To those of us who frequently rush into a "no", pay close attention to this story.

This is a story Jesus tells to make a point about priorities. God has many great blessings available to us, and He desires for us to receive those blessings. Yet, we can become distracted or pulled away by our priorities or our fears.

The man in the story was wanting to bless his friends, but his friends missed the blessing, because of their excuses.

At times, we have an opportunity to be a part of something great, or to receive something great, but we miss it, because of our excuses.

The story concludes in verse 24 with this, "For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet." 

Just because you can think of a reason not to, doesn't mean you shouldn't be a part. Sometimes our reason for a "no", is just a bad excuse.

Let me encourage you with this, when opportunity knocks, stop to think and pray about it. Take time to make your decision, and then make a great decision!

Keep in mind, if you are quick to a yes, or quick to a no, it may feel a little uncomfortable to consider the other option, but I believe you will be pleasantly surprised if you give it a try!