THRIVING NO MATTER WHAT HITS YOU

By Rick Warren Your biggest temptation in the midst of crisis is to be impulsive. You’re typically not thinking rationally. You’re thinking emotionally. You want to make a quick decision. But it’s more important to make the right decision than a fast decision. (Emphasis) A wrong decision is wrong no matter how quickly you make it. So step back, take a deep breath, calm down, and talk to God. (Emphasis) Daniel did this when the king asked him to interpret a dream (after ordering the killing of the first few people who tried). The Bible says, “Daniel went at once to see the king and requested more time to tell the king what the dream meant” (Daniel 2:16 NLT). I don’t know if I could have done this as a teenager. Daniel went immediately to this powerful king and asked for more time. Daniel didn’t procrastinate, but he didn’t make a rash decision either. He gives us a great model for dealing with a high-pressure situation. Talk It Over 
* Have you ever acted rashly when asked to do something really tough? How did that work out? 
* Why is it so easy to procrastinate when you’re in a tough situation? 
* Who in your life needs to be reminded that taking your time in tough situations is important? Personal Note: Paraphrase: Daniel 2:19-23 Daniel, the young prisoner, was summoned by King Nebuchadnezzar to his court. The king told Daniel about his dream that bothered him. The interpretation of that dream would mean life and death for Daniel, his friends and to the wise men of Babylon. So he asked the king to give him time before he could tell the king the meaning of his dream. That night, Daniel prayed fervently to God asking for His wisdom about the meaning of the king's dream. Through a vision, God revealed to Daniel the mystery behind the king's dream. After receiving the revelation of the meaning of that dream, Daniel praised and thanked God. “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
    wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons;
    he deposes kings and raises up others.
He gives wisdom to the wise
    and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things;
    he knows what lies in darkness,
    and light dwells with him. I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors:
    You have given me wisdom and power,
you have made known to me what we asked of you,
    you have made known to us the dream of the king.” Source: Bible Gateway