“But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:8-9 (NRSV)

While I drive, I come across different roads with different speed limits. Some roads have a 25 mph speed limit, 45 mph speed limit, or a 70 mph speed limit.

These speed limits remind me of God’s time. Sometimes, I would like to drive fast on a city street or drive slow to enjoy the view on a scenic highway.

Unfortunately, none of these ideas are possible. I have to travel at the recommended speed limit. All throughout the biblical scripture, God is seen acting in three speeds: slow, quick and suddenly.

An example of God’s slow-moving speed is with his servant, Job. Job watched his children die, his health deteriorate and his possessions taken away and more. His suffering lasted a long time. So much so, Job’s wife told him to curse God and die. But Job waited on the Lord. Psalm 27:14 states, “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” What are you waiting on God for? Hang in there. Job did and God restored everything he lost and then some. Be patient when God is moving slow.

Sometimes, God moves quickly. An example of this is found in the story of David and Goliath. David killed Goliath with just five stones in a slingshot. God provided David with a quick victory. When God moves quick, we have to be ready.

The last speed God moves in is suddenly. Sometimes, God makes things happen unexpectedly, with little to no warning.

We see this happen in Acts 2:2: “When suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.” Pentecost happened suddenly. The church started suddenly. I prefer this speed because God can surprise us with a blessing that we had never even thought of.

One thing about God’s timing, it doesn’t matter if God moves slow, quick or suddenly — God is still on time.

One last thing, I would like to pause and remember the “Emanuel 9” who were tragically killed in Charleston, S.C. nearly one year ago. May God’s peace and comfort continue to surround their families.

REV. MATTHEW SHANNON is pastor of Beulah AME Church in Farmville. His email address is pastormatthew.shannon@gmail.com.