But he hesitated

Have you ever found yourself stuck in a moment? Not sure where to turn. You weigh every option and consider every conceivable possibility. If you go left or right, forward or back, you can think of a million scenarios, both good and bad, for why you should or shouldn’t choose that path.

Some have aptly called it ‘paralysis by analysis.’ And I’m guilty as charged. Perhaps the number one sentiment of us over-thinkers is, “but what if…”

The other group of people who simply are presented with a path or a decision and choose an option with no real dilemma or delay — well, I’m not sure if I despise them or envy them.

However, there are moments, even for the quick-witted decision makers of the world, where we hesitate. We pause. We contemplate. We wonder.

The point here is not so much in determining if you’re impulsive, intuitive, rational, spontaneous, or have a sixth sense. What’s really at stake is why we’re quick or slow with regard to making a decision and what happens as a result.

Lately, this phrase, “But he hesitated,” has been reverberating in my mind.

What is the posture of someone who hesitates? It could be fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear of the impending results. It could be perfectionism. Trying to orchestrate the situation for a perfect result. It could be familiarity. Indecision can be rooted in the comforts of merely standing still. Pride can cause us to stall out and rob us of moments of flourishing. Hesitation can be a control tactic. Looking to manipulate the situation by holding out or holding on for a particular outcome.

What happens when we let fear, perfectionism, familiarity, pride, and control to interrupt and invade our attempts to make progress and live fully in the moment of good wholesome decisions?

These invasive tendencies can defraud and rob us of some incredible moments, distract us and turn our attention away from where our focus should lie, and detain us leaving us feeling shackled in a place we prefer not to be.

Here’s some context for the phrase, “but he hesitated.” In OT times, a man by the name of Lot dwelt near the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. These cities were evil and full of provocative and perverted living. God became so angry by the rampant sin of these people that He decided to destroy the cities. So God sent word to Lot that he should escape from this place. That he should make his way toward safety. Freedom. A place to be saved.

We can only imagine that Lot, after separating himself from his uncle Abram, was living a lavish lifestyle in the Jordan valley with his family and herds, near the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. But sin, as we know, has a way of detecting chinks in our armor and softening our aptitude for righteous living. It can become a slow fade toward compromise. Hence, the ensuing hesitation.

So without further ado, these messengers from God insisted that Lot and his family leave. “But he hesitated.” He lingered. He stood still. Unsteady. Unsure. Certainly fraught with all kinds of emotions. But why? Because the lure of sin holds a tight grip that makes the journey toward freedom a difficult choice.

The next few lines inform the reader that even in the midst of Lot’s hesitation, “the Lord intended to save him.” Wow! Despite Lot’s hesitation, his lingering near the precipice of insidious evil, the Lord had it out for Lot to be saved.

But not everybody was saved. When Lot’s wife turned back, when she gave sin a second look, it cost her. God’s judgment is not to be taken lightly. He’s merciful and gracious, willing to save. And longs for the heart of His people. Do not hesitate to turn back to Him.

There is this caveat–waiting is not hesitating. As His people we must spend time in prayer, maintain a rational mind, and seek godly counsel and words of wisdom from trusted friends. God’s plan to seek and to save and to set on a path of freedom and life is still being declared today.