Hasty

May 8th, 2026
by Gary Cheaney

Waiting Without Rushing

SCRIPTURE:
Acts 1:20 NLT - Peter continued, "This was written in the book of Psalms, where it says, 'Let his home become desolate, with no one living in it.' It also says, 'Let someone else take his position.'

OBSERVATION:
The account of Matthias being chosen as one of the twelve in Acts 1 has sparked much debate over the generations. Was Peter hasty, presumptuous, or Spirit-led in declaring that someone needed to fill Judas's vacant position among the disciples?

Some argue that the disciples were told to return to Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit's filling. Others believe that while they waited and prayed, their decision was Spirit-led. An empty spot among the twelve could have been seen as a victory for Satan. While casting lots—essentially rolling dice—might seem like a gamble, Peter and the disciples were sincerely seeking the Lord, not relying on presumption.

You could make a valid case for both sides. What we do know is that those gathered in the upper room were seeking the Lord and that Paul would eventually fill this apostolic role. Either way, God used it for good.

The casting of lots may be an imperfect way to discern God’s will, but it is much better than the methods many Christians use today — that is, to rely on emotions, to rely on circumstances, or feelings, or carnal desires, and so forth… No one can fault all the things they did before they cast lots… Their common sense was sanctified because it came as they were in obedience, in fellowship, in prayer, in the Scriptures, and desiring God’s will… We must believe that all these things put them into the place where God would truly guide their decision… We would not make many wrong decisions if we did all the things the disciples did before making big decisions. – David Guzik.

The disciples obeyed.
The disciples were in unity and fellowship.
The disciples were in prayer.
The disciples were in the Scriptures.
The disciples wanted to do God’s will.
The disciples used sanctified common sense.
The disciples did what Jesus did.
The disciples did what they could to rely on God.

APPLICATION:
How do we apply this today?

As we wait on the Lord for His promises to be fulfilled, don’t be hasty.

“Hasty” means acting with excessive speed or urgency. Don’t be too quick to jump to conclusions or make decisions. Don’t rely on emotions—rely on God’s Word. If He says “Go,” then go. If He says “Wait,” then wait.

Does this mean we’ll never make mistakes? No. At times, we may be hasty. But when we are, we should do as the disciples did:

Obey
Stay in fellowship
Pray
Read God’s Word
Desire God’s will
Use sanctified common sense
Do what Jesus did
Rely fully on God

Do your best and commit the rest. – Chuck Smith.

This is not a cop-out but an encouragement to follow the lead of Jesus, the disciples, and the Holy Spirit. Then wait, trust, ask, and seek—the Lord will lead you, as He led Peter and the others.

PRAYER:
Jesus, in my haste and even in my presumption, help me listen and follow Your lead, the Holy Spirit’s direction, and the disciples’ example. May Your will be done, for You know what is best. If I am waiting when I should be working, help me go. If I am working when I should be waiting, help me trust Your leading.

When you don’t know whether to move or wait, pause, pray, and trust that God will lead you in His perfect time.

Posted in 06 - Acts