WISE AND DISCREET RESPONSES. By Pastor Fernando.

Scripture:
When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, came to kill them, Daniel handled the situation with wisdom and discretion.
Daniel 2:14

Observation:
Daniel had an amazing attitude when dealing with difficulties. Instead of getting anxious, he cools down and thinks in the best solution. He doesn’t react, he responds. He keeps emotions under control and depends on God to bring the solution to his problems. Even though Daniel had the education, the gifts, and the predisposition to be very smart, he still depends on God to face difficult situations. His wisdom and discretion took him to places of influence and leadership that brought glory to God and blessing to His people.

Application:
As I watch the political campaign for the White House, I can only see unwise and indiscreet reactions to sometimes vicious attacks, but other times to miscalculated statements. This may be the political game we are used to, but it reveals a lack of wisdom and discretion when dealing with difficult situations.

In our daily reality we have two options when dealing with difficult situations. We will either react or we will respond. Reactions are usually emotionally charged, thoughtless, tactless, rude and dangerous. Reactions don’t help to solve problems. Actually they make things worse and distract us from doing what is right. On the other hand, responses are charged with wisdom, calculated, precise, candid, and safe. Responses give room for the Holy Spirit to come alongside and guide our thoughts. Taking time to respond is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of wisdom and discretion.

I have many opportunities each day to either react or respond. I want to be a man that responds handling situations with wisdom and discretion. I need to fight the natural tendency to react to problems and accusations. I must control my emotions, avoid taking things personal, and focus in God’s way to deal with things. I need to develop more dependency on God as His presence makes me more wise and discreet in all my daily affairs.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, help me to choose responses rather than reactions when dealing with difficult situations. Teach me more wisdom and discretion so I can bring effective solutions to everyday problems. Amen!