He Speaks…

God has spoken to me in many ways: through a Bible verse, the wise counsel of another Christian, direct from the church pulpit, and a simple willingness on my part to obey. There were weeks and even months between Him speaking in one way and then another. At that time it felt like forever and ever. God is rarely in a hurry to speak. He is slow (lento): we are swift and hasty. It is because we are but for a time, and He has been for eternity, since the very beginning. Hence, Grace, for the most part, acts slowly, gives slowly. He works little by little. God is never late, nor is He ever in a hurry. He is inclined to speak to those who show themselves truly hungry and thirsty for a fresh encounter with Jesus. He encourages us to pause and pray, to resist the temptation to rush when we interact with Him. He lets us embark upon a season of seeking His face and waiting for Him. “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 God didn’t say I will inevitably find Him the moment I seek Him. Rather, He promised to be found when I seek Him with all my heart. There is something about the posture of my praying and the wholeheartedness of my seeking - my determination, my desperation and my desire - that moves the heart and attracts the attention of God. Eventually, He answers, in His time, but never late. “Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.” - Romans 12:12