The idea of delaying action seems counterintuitive. Action is a right-now word and concept. Action leaps forward without hesitation. Action is the opposite of waiting, or delaying. Yet, which is better; barreling ahead or waiting.
As is often the case, there is merit in both delaying and moving forward, depending on the situation and timing.
Following are a few thoughts on delaying and forward motion:
Consequences of Action without Forethought
Mistakes
When Jim and I were newlyweds, we fell for one of those timeshare ads. My first red flag came when they herded us onto a bus and drove us to a condo miles down the beach. The second alarm buzzed in my head when they locked us in a room with others and asked us to put all our credit cards on the table. Um, no way! Thankfully, I paid attention to inner warnings and we had the sense to leave.
Quick responses sometimes lead to big mistakes. Much in life pushes us toward fast decisions. Fear of missing out propels us. But often, snap decisions end up with less than desirable consequences.
All types of scams rely on fear to force fast decisions. Instead, remember it’s better to investigate and seek wisdom before acting. Never allow pressure to make you decide immediately.
Regrets
How many times have you said or done something and then wished you’d waited to respond?
Speaking from personal experience, I’ve had words fall out of my mouth that I instantly wished I could reel back in. However, once spoken, the damage is done.
Likewise, I’ve taken action I later wished I could undo. A long-ago business decision resulted in years of stress after a downturn in the economy. Eventually, profit occurred, but not before decades of regret.
Regret clings like a soggy piece of clothing, attaching itself and coloring how you view yourself. Regret rises to the surface at inopportune times and hinders future decisions. Regret is backward-looking and thwarts forward motion.
To avoid the fallout from acting and speaking without thinking, wait. Consider how your words will land, and on whom. Think of how actions will be perceived. Avoid allowing anger to speak or act without your permission. Anger rarely waits, thinks, or controls itself.
The Wisdom in Delayed Action
Recognizes Potential Consequences
Delayed action looks ahead and sees beyond right now. Great wisdom exists in delaying long enough to recognize potential problems and outcomes from immediate action. Forward motion isn’t always rapid. Forward motion includes wisdom.
Allows Thought
Taking time to think before acting, or reacting, provides a cooling off period, a clearer head. Listing pros and cons defines situations. The seemingly impossible comes into focus after prayer and a night of sleep. If taking time to think before acting causes you to miss an opportunity, don’t despair. You will more readily recognize God’s best when it appears.
Listens for God’s Voice
Learning to hear God’s voice requires our silence. Often, we talk to God, airing our frustrations and grievances, or enumerating a list of wants, and fail to listen. We want fast answers, and if answers are slow in coming, we grow impatient and opt for action. But the benefits of delaying action far outweigh moving ahead without waiting for Godly wisdom.
Enjoys Peace
Finding peace in a turbulent world is challenging. The only peace that is true and lasting comes from following God’s directives. Peace rests in knowing you don’t have to rush to immediate action, because you have a divine advocate, who knows your future far better than you do. Listening to God is the key to happiness, peace, and blessings.
“The one who listens to me, who carefully seeks me in everyday things and delays action until my way is apparent, that one will find true happiness. For when he recognizes and follows me, he finds a peaceful and satisfying life and receives favor from the Eternal” (Proverbs 8-34-35 VOICE).
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is an award-winning writer, blogger, and speaker. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotions published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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