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I Used to Go Fast
It never really worked out too well until I made a decision that I'll never regret
Steven Pawley
November 22, 2025
Happy Saturday! I hope you have a great weekend. It’s really good to see you here!
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Trivia question: Several great answers! Beth Wilson - Jesus praying in the garden, and Job; Mack82 - David; Sheryl Woodard - Jesus on the cross, David in Psa. 22. Here’s another: The possessed man at Gadara. Give today’s trivia a try.
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The other day, someone tried to get an answer out of me quickly. And man did I put up a fight – inside! I used to answer quickly, and it never really worked out to well 🫤.
My grown children still say the words with a laugh: “I know dad, ‘do you want my answer now or would you like me to pray about it? Because if you want my answer now, it’s no’!”
That worked pretty well – when I actually did it. Yet to my shame, I’d answer others before I knew the best answer. Or I’d be quick with a comment or opinion. This verse stings (Pro. 18:13).
You probably never do that, but I did. So before you answer, hold that thought. I mean, at least until you have a really good answer and a really good reason to say it. This helps (Pro. 15:28)!
God even tells us to do so (Eccl. 5:2, Col. 4:6). It’s not enough to know it, we must be intentional about it. Peter got me thinking about this. Because here, here, here, and here!
Then, same chapter, rashly commits Jesus (v. 24-25), only to get an extra assignment (v. 26-27). Remember having to write words on the board at school or for “homework” for saying it? Me too!
Now, If that wasn’t enough, (John 21:21)! C’mon Peter, do better! And again, wishes he’d held that thought (v. 22).
Why was it always Peter who “said it”? Do you know anybody like that?
Wouldn’t it be easier to hold that thought long enough until the need to say it or share it goes away? Or at least until you have a good, thoughtful, and helpful answer?
Would you like to answer now, or pray about it? 😊 Here’s a quick acronym to help:
Think. What if anything, should I say it and how?
Helpful. Will this make the situation better or worse?
Important. Will this add real value to the conversation?
Necessary. Do I really need to say it?
Kind. What is the kindest way to say it?
So, what do you think? Before you let those answers, comments or opinions fly, take a little more time to hold that thought while you THINK. This verse helps me – a lot (Pro. 17:27-28)!
These days, I slow way down before I answer. So, tell me what you think about today’s read. I know, “Steve, if you’d like my answer now, it’s no!” So, pray, then reply!
No really, just reply when you’re done and let me know. Your feedback matters.
Who remembers This song that says it all? Have fun but don’t get mad at me!
Taking the 15 Day Challenge? C’mon, it’s free, fun, and good for your faith. Plus I put a lot of work into it and don’t want it to just sit there. It will definitely help you grow a little.
There’s more in the GO DEEPER section. Grab another cup while you think it over. Enjoy!
Thanks for Reading!
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TRIVIA QUESTION:
Peter wasn’t the only one who got in trouble with Jesus. Name a time Jesus corrected John. (Give it a try and send your reply. You might get a shoutout in the next newsletter. Happy digging!
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GO DEEPER with Today’s Read:
Let’s study something else that happened in Peter’s life to go along with today’s theme. But before we do, here’s a couple things that might help:
You’ll have to train yourself to hold your thoughts. God commands this for our good and the good of others so it must be possible.
A good verse to memorize for more disciplined thoughts is (2 Cor. 10:5). Another is fantastic for filtering every thought before it ever gets to your mouth (Phil 4:8).
Both are very helpful for every kind of thought that might be getting the best of you or spilling out and causing trouble.
Write them out several times, thinking carefully about what they mean, until you’ve memorized them and they become readily accessible whenever you need them.
Peter learned some hard and painful lessons about blurting instead of burying the things that came to mind. Don’t be a “blurter”! Look with me at Mark 14:26-31.
Peter thought is, so before he held it long enough to think it through, he blurted it out.
Don’t allow your vehemence (I’m sure!) to control your proclamations (29-31). Your strong assertions may just lead to your embarrassment (Pro. 18:17).
So Christ, true to His word, searches Peter out first, and finds him – asleep (v. 37-38). The more we speak the more we reveal our own shallowness (Pro. 10:19, 17:27-28)!
The shame of not holding our thoughts is often what God uses to gently teach us to learn to be quiet. Finally, Peter has nothing left to say (v. 39-40). I memorized this (1 Th 4:11-12)
Hold your thoughts. You don't need to speak, share your opinion, correct others, proclaim your allegiance, greatness, or allegiances… You can help yourself and the rest of us by being quiet.
Sometimes we must be embarrassed and made painfully aware of who we really are. In these moments God may be teaching you that you don’t have to speak, so, hold that thought!
Before you go, think about how often you say unnecessary things. Take them to God in prayer, ask for His help in holding your thoughts, and get ready for His gentle lessons.
Take the extra step to going deeper and growing stronger with the 15 Day Challenge from Eph. 4-5. It’s fun, free, and will definitely increase your faith!
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