Recently, I watched a cooking show on how to make the best barbecue. I don’t know why it caught my attention since I am not a huge barbecue lover, but it did.
Throughout the segment, one man, when explaining how to make the best barbecue, said these words… “Low and slow…remember that. If you want to bring out the best of something, you must remember…low and slow.” He was referring to cooking the sauce on a low temp and slowly – to bring out its absolute best flavor.
Days later, I could not get that phrase out of my mind. I knew God was speaking to me, and I was determined to learn what He was saying.
Low – I knew in this word God was speaking to me about humility. Let me share a few verses with you.
By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life. (Prov 22:4)
Before destruction, the heart of a man is haughty, and before honor is humility. (Prov 18:12)
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. (James 4:10)
Humility is vital if we are ever to walk in the fullness of God. First, humility must come. The Bible says, “God resists the proud.” No one wants God to resist them – I know I certainly don’t.
Now, let’s explore the concept of “slow.” In a world that constantly buzzes with urgency—a whirlwind of fast-paced routines and drive-through convenience—there’s a pause that I feel compelled to embrace.
For the past year, I’ve sensed a gentle yet persistent urging from God to take a step back and decelerate. My life has morphed into a relentless race; I find myself moving quickly, whether walking down the street, driving to do errands, or darting between appointments. Each day feels like a catch-up game, where I try to tick off every task that clamors for my attention. Yet, amid this whirlwind, a whisper from the Holy Spirit reminds me of the necessity of slowing down.
Hurriedly living our lives is not God’s intention for us. Nor is it His best. We are called to embody patience and find our peace in His presence. However, it can be incredibly difficult to embrace that divine rest when our to-do lists seem endless. Can anyone else relate to this struggle?
Lately, I’ve made it a priority to slow down my pace intentionally. I’m focusing on walking with a lighter step, driving in a more relaxed manner, and setting aside tasks that can wait for another day. This shift not only brings a sense of calm but also allows me to appreciate the moments that often slip by in the busyness of life.
James 1:4 says, But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
God then led me to the Book of 1 Peter.
1 Peter 5:5-6 in the Passion Translation says, In the same way, the younger ones should willingly support the leadership of the elders. In every relationship, each of you must wrap around yourself the apron of a humble servant. Because God resists you when you are proud but multiplies grace and favor when you are humble. If you bow low in God’s awesome presence, He will eventually exalt you as you leave the timing in His hands.
These scriptures pulled it all together for me.
When we choose to envelop ourselves in genuine humility, we acknowledge the profound truth that God opposes the proud. It is in this humble state that we find favor, as God does not resist those who approach Him with a humble heart. By bowing low before His presence, we open ourselves to His grace. In this posture of submission, we create space for His divine timing to unfold in our lives, allowing Him to exalt us in ways we may never have imagined. Only by surrendering and trustingly waiting for Him can we experience the fullness of His blessings.
Remember what the chef said? You must go low and slow to bring out the best in something. I believe the same principle applies to our spiritual lives. It’s a process—often a slow one. However, two things are usually necessary to discover the best within us and receive all that God has in store for us.
First, we must bow down in His presence. This means submitting to His plan and purpose for our lives, even if that plan takes longer than we expect to fulfill. Second, we need to take it slow. Allow patience to work perfectly within us. The Bible says you will be complete and lacking nothing when you do this.
What does that mean? It means that the best version of you will shine forth, and His blessings will be poured upon you until you experience no lack, becoming whole and complete in Him.
As we navigate this week and the ones ahead, let’s keep a few key principles in mind. First, embrace humility by bowing low under the powerful presence of God, submitting not only to His plan but also to His timing. Secondly, practice patience; allow His timing to unfold in our lives, trusting that everything will come together at the right moment for our benefit. For He is faithful who promised. Never forget that.
I can so relate to the need to slow down & enjoy each moment! Thank you, Kim!