Slower I Go: Walking at the Pace of JesusSample

Day 3 - The Slower I Go

“It seems as though the slower I go, the faster I arrive.”

One of the most powerful lines in SEU Worship’s “Slower I Go” is this one. It’s a paradox in itself that only Christ can be the answer to. Only through Christ would our slowness help us to arrive faster.

We try to rush and rush on our own constantly. We believe that we are the key to our success - and sometimes, we even try to rush through ministry to get on to the next ministry opportunity. But, think of it like this - sure, we could try to walk from the furthest point of North America down to the lowest point of South America. We could choose when we want to start walking. We could choose our own path. And we could start right away.

But doesn’t it make more sense to wait in the airport for the plane? Sure, you can’t get started right away. And sure, you have to wait on someone else to guide you.

But won’t you arrive there faster? Safer? Better?

And this is the way of the Lord.

But first, we have to slow down if we are ever going to let Him guide us.

Hebrews 12 compares our journey with Christ to a race - but it’s probably not quite the race that we are thinking of. Our race is much more of a marathon than a sprint and it’s not about who gets to the end fastest. A different type of race right? It may not be what you think it is but it’s infinitely better, trust us. Come and learn.

“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Through this scripture we learn that the race has already been laid out for us. We don’t have to guess where we are going or wonder what to do. We can ask the Father who already knows.

And more than that, this race isn’t about running ahead. This scripture tells us to fix “our eyes on Jesus”. How can we fix our eyes on Him if we are running ahead of Him?

We can’t. Instead, we have to run at His pace. We have to take a water break when He does. We have to tie our shoes when He does. We have to learn to pause and help another runner when He does.

One of the most profound things about Hebrews 12 is that the end of the race is not mentioned. Did you notice that?

We believe that this is because the end of the race isn’t the goal - it's the race itself. It’s just like that old adage, “It’s about the journey - not the destination”.

So maybe, just maybe, we need to stop living our lives trying to get everything done as fast as we can. Perhaps the slower we go, the faster we do arrive.

Take a moment to bow your head this morning and pray with us (if you aren’t listening to this while driving!!)

Lord,

We confess that we are sinners who get it wrong a lot. So often we have run ahead of You trying to complete tasks - even ones for Your glory - without pausing to ask You what You think. Will You forgive us and teach us a better way? Lord, remind us in this very moment that it’s actually through slowness that we can see You the most. You crave to have us walk alongside You - not out in front of You. So Lord, would You show us this better way. Will You slow our hearts and teach us to have slow feet and slow hands, to be patient and wait on You? Let us arrive right on time with You - rather than without You.

In Jesus Name we pray,

Amen.