I’m an impatient cook. Taking it slow is not my modus operandi, so I don’t often simmer my meals in the crock pot. Instead, I prefer to zap my food in the microwave or boil it on the stove at a high temperature.
This method usually works for heating leftovers. It’s fine for those who like their food crisp on the outside and possibly undercooked on the inside.
But if you like your meat tender and your flavors melded, nothing beats a slow cooker.
Sometimes we take a fast-food approach to our prayer life. We pray, expecting an immediate water-into-wine response. When God doesn’t come through immediately, we assume He hasn’t heard us, or—worse yet—He’s refused us.
We forget God doesn’t view time the way we do.
“But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (II Peter 3:8-9 ESV)
God’s Recipe
When it seems God is slow to answer, consider this:
- God is mixing the ingredients for His perfect outcome. He’s working all things together for good.
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 ESV)
- As we continue to trust, others observe our faith. God is giving us an opportunity to add seasoning to the lives of those around us by the wise and hope-filled words we express.
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:6 ESV)
- As we wait in faith and obedience, He’s using the fragrant aroma of our lives to entice others to draw near to Him. He’s allowing time for His word to simmer in the minds of those who hear it.
“For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing,” (II Corinthians 2:15 ESV)
And as we wait, as we simmer in the heat of difficulties, God is changing us. Each one of us is a Specialty of the House; God won’t leave us raw, nor will he put us in a situation that’s too hot for us to handle. We can’t rush God. He’s creating a masterpiece, and He often takes it slow.
As the song says, “Sometimes miracles take time.”
Father, help me to be patient while You are are causing all things to work together for my good. You do all things well, and Your plan is perfect. Let my words contain the proper seasoning and always communicate my faith in You. Amen.
Something to Think About
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4 ESV
