I sat with the Lord one quiet morning. Something weighed heavy on my heart.
I was avoiding something I needed to do, something the Lord had told me to do. It was a simple command in the Bible, and the Lord had gently reminded me more than once. More than a dozen times. I needed to deal with it, but I intended to put it off as long as I could.
Denial is a skill I have perfected throughout my life. I pull it out of my pocket when a situation is difficult, and I wish it would magically go away. Maybe if I pretend it is not happening, I have some control over the matter. I am not proud of this. And spoiler alert. Denial simply prolongs one’s misery.
When I no longer wanted to resist God’s gentle prodding, I said, “Okay Lord, I’ll do it.”
I wallowed in guilt for a moment. Frustration at my rebellion rose to the surface. Why did I put it off so long?
“I am slow,” I sighed.
“I know. I am slow too,” the Lord answered.
“What?” I asked. Surely, I misunderstood.
Then He reminded me. Yes, I was slow to obey Him, but He was slow to anger.
“The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.” Psalm 145:8 (NLT)
The Lord waits for us. When we are slow to respond to Him, He slows down as well. As a father walks slowly so his young child with those short legs can keep up with him, God slows His steps to walk with us.
We may think we are waiting on the Lord to do something, when He is the One waiting for us to do something He has shown us. He is slow to anger but He is not slow in doing His part.
“The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” 2 Peter 3:9 (NLT)
Our slowness determines if He goes slow.
At times I am frustrated with my slowness, but I am very thankful for His.
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