There are different ways that people come to God. Not just initially, but along the way as they journey through their lives with him.
First, there’s the limp. Life has beaten us up. We’re emptied out and bruised all over. Maybe not even sure God has noticed or cares, but we still go, limping toward him. Our journey may be slower because of it, but that’s okay. We get there. And we get a lot of TLC along the way as he meets us in often surprising ways.
Or maybe limping demands more effort than our strength can supply, so we crawl. I’ve felt like that at times. I’ve also crawled in the other direction at times, too hurt to look at Him.
What about a stroll? One dictionary definition says this: “to walk leisurely as inclination directs; ramble; saunter; take a walk”. Or, “to wander or rove from place to place; roam”. That sounds less purposeful, but if you are strolling on the beach, you have a purpose, to enjoy the walk. Maybe you’re strolling with him, enjoying the scenery. Or maybe you’re just unsure of it all, so you rove or ramble in his general direction until things get clearer.
Then there’s the all-out run, with passion and focus. I have a hard time sustaining that one. But the short sprints enrich the slower times.
These runners sometimes make the rest of us ashamed, but remember, we’re all getting there, at one pace or another. He understands us and leads us along with a gentle touch. I am sure that many people spend seasons of their lives in each of these groups. The pace is less important than the objective since he’s the prize we’re seeking.