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He Who Hesitates Is...

There’s an old saying:  “he who hesitates is lost.”  It’s not a biblical proverb but it almost could be!

The saying has many meanings including:

  • Acting swiftly and decisively can lead to success.
  • Those who fail to take quick action may miss a good opportunity.
  • To delay or vacillate may have unfortunate or disastrous consequences.

For our consideration, the word “hesitate”, from a Biblical perspective, is also translated as:

  • Delay
  • Taking too much time
  • Did not move fast enough
  • Just stood there

 In one particular Biblical account, to say “he who hesitates is lost” is a major understatement:

With the coming of dawn, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished.”  When Lot hesitated, the men grabbed his hand and the hands of his wife and two daughters because the Lord had compassion on them. They led them away and placed them outside the city.  (Gen 19:15-16)

For Lot, hesitation would have been disastrous.  If he had hesitated too long, the outcome would have been death.  But God had compassion for Lot and He used His angels to rescue him.

 And while it is unlikely that any of us will face the same life and death situation that Lot did, hesitations or delays can still impact our lives.

 That’s why I appreciate and am challenged by how the Psalmist worded his desire to not hesitate or delay:

 “I keep your commands eagerly and without delay.”  (Ps 119:60)

 May we be eager to obey without delay!

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