Divine Detection

I recently said yes to something I knew I should have said no to.

I know, I know, don't I read what I'm writing?

It was one of those landmine moments for me.

I ignored my instincts, the subtle warnings, and the red flags and said yes.

Snap, boom, bam.

Immediate yes-ser's remorse.

You can guess what happened right after the remorse set in.

Annoyance.

Procrastination.

Resentment.

Minimal effort.

Whining and complaining.

Eventual completion of said task.  

Relief it was over.

Swearing to myself I wouldn't let it happen again.

But how?

How can I ensure I don't step onto another landmine and do or say something I regret?

I suppose I should finally listen to what my Grandfather told me about one million times when I was a little girl.

Slow down.

Slowing down before we act allows us to be aware of God's divine detection system.

Before I say yes, I need to pause and pay attention to what's happening in my Spirit.

Is something triggering me to say or do something I don't want to say or do?

Am I desperate for validation?  

Am I trying to please them?

Am I hoping to be accepted if I say yes?

Usually, my desire to say yes, despite the warning signals I feel within, comes from desperation—just one of the oozing remnants from a wound that still needs tending to.

The powerful pause before a yes can be an empowering life changer.

Especially when the paths on this journey feel treacherously triggered, and we feel incredibly vulnerable.

In these times, caution is critical.  

Our motto in these moments should be: "Slow, determined, driven by divine detection."

I'm sure my Grandfather is smiling at this moment.

Fifty years later, I'm finally heeding his advice.

Better late than never, I suppose.

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.

Proverbs 27:12

The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.

James 4: 7-8

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.