Making Decisions Faster and Slower (Mark 1:35)

When I began my own laboratory, I was abruptly thrust into the world of business. I quickly learned that some decisions had to be made quickly. But I also learned that some decisions needed to be made at a slower pace. This become clear when I dealt with personnel issues within my office. My office is small, less than ten employees. Thus, all major human resource issues are funneled through me. When an issue arises, my first inclination is to react and do something. But recently, I have taken a different approach and pondered the issue, and, instead of issuing a company-wide email directive or calling a quick meeting, I did something that I had not been doing as often as I should-I took the time to pray. Not just a quick prayer. I prayed over this decision for an entire week. At the end of the week, God gave me wisdom to deal with the potentially thorny issue, to everyone’s satisfaction.

With many people, there is a fine line between taking the time to contemplate a situation and procrastination. For me, there is an even finer line between making a quick and decisive decision and impulsiveness. God gave me wisdom to approach some decisions by following His timing and making decisions at a slower than usual pace.

Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.

Mark 1:35 (ESV)

In this passage from Mark, Jesus had spent an entire day and night healing the people of Galilee. Undoubtedly He was exhausted when He went to sleep, but the very next morning, He arose early and prayed to God. Even His time of prayer was interrupted by His disciples who clamored for Him to help other people. But Jesus did not respond with irritation, as I would have. He kept to His mission and informed His disciples.

But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.”

Mark 1:38 (ESV)

Jesus Christ was never rushed or delayed. He was on the time schedule of God, the Father, always in perfect timing with His Father’s will. And as busy as He was, He always found time for prayer. Others attempted to place Him on their time schedules but He was always in control.

Faster or slower. Jesus shows me that all decisions are only meaningful when it is done on God’s timing and by His direction.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.