Have you ever hesitated to do something you knew God was telling you to do?

Me too!

From dragging my feet with an apology I owed someone to stepping away from an unhealthy relationship, there have been countless times when I’ve hesitated to do what God was prompting me to do.

Genesis 19 shares an insightful story about Lot, his hesitation, and the heart of God.

Lot and his family were living in Sodom, a city known for its blatant carnality.

Two angels showed up one night and encouraged Lot to take his family and leave the city quickly because God was about to destroy it.

“…we are about to destroy this place because the outcry against its people is so great before the Lord, that the Lord has sent us to destroy it.” (Genesis 19:13 CSB)

Lot rallied his family members and prepared to go, but when prompted by the angels to hustle, he hesitated.

Sodom had been his home – he was likely dealing with fond memories and a flood of mixed emotions. Added to that was the thought of leaving what was familiar and comfortable coupled with the pending doom of the unknown.

So, on the threshold of the entire city going up in smoke, Lot hesitated.

And how did God respond?

“Because of the Lord’s compassion for him, the [angels] grabbed his hand…and brought him out…” (vs.16)

God’s response was not filled with condemnation or guilt-laced accusations. He wasn’t angry with Lot for pausing. He understood everything Lot was grasping to process in the moment and extended compassion.

Isn’t this the heart of our Father today for us, as well?

He knows why we are sometimes slow to take those steps forward that He’s urging us to take.

He understands when we hesitate to move beyond situations or environments that might be unhealthy for us due to fear or worry about what might be next.

He gets why we struggle to let go of what’s comfortable and familiar as we wrestle with stepping into unchartered territory.

Yet, He has compassion on us and takes us gently by the hand to move us forward.

What mercy! What love!

Do you find yourself hesitating today, friend?

God understands. Let Him take you by the hand. He knows what’s best and is ultimately working for your good and His glory.

Until next time, Grace and Glory!