When God says , "Slow Down"

When God Says, “Slow Down.”

When God tells you it’s time to slow down… and you don’t listen — He has a funny way of making sure you do!

Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis isn’t exactly a walk in the park. But over the years, I’ve learned how to push through the pain and just get it done. My mom’s voice still echoes in my head: “Get it done because no one’s going to do it for you.” Sound familiar?

A couple years ago, I hurt my knee running away from an overzealous listener in Orlando (long story for another time — but let’s just say she was very enthusiastic about Jesus and hugs). I heard a “rip,” felt a sharp pain, and knew something wasn’t right. But instead of stopping, I did what I always do — I pushed through. Laundry had to be done, work needed attention, life kept moving.

Somewhere deep down, I knew I needed to get it looked at. But I kept telling myself, “I’ll rest later.”
And later never came.

Fast forward — the pain got worse. When I finally went to the doctor, I found out my RA had struck again. No cartilage left. Just bone on bone.

After several treatments that didn’t work, I happened to mention it to Carder from the KSBJ Morning Show. He said, “Hey, my dad’s boss had both knees replaced up in Chicago and was back to work in three weeks!”
I said, “What’s his name?”
He said, “No idea.”
Good ol’ Google to the rescue!

That’s how I met Dr. Berger and his amazing team. I was so happy to hear they would take me on as a patient and I got to fly home to Chicago to see my youngest son Jeffrey and his sweet wife Katelyn. What a precious time — even though it was short!

But they told me one thing I wasn’t ready for:
“You must relax that first week. Act like you have the flu — do nothing.”

Finding Freedom World's Biggest Small Group Study

Do nothing? I had no idea how to do that. But let me tell you… I learned quick.

And that’s when the best part happened.
Jesus met me there.

In the quiet.
In the stillness.
In the place where my to-do list couldn’t reach me.

He reminded me that He’s been waiting — waiting for me to stop striving, to rest in Him, to remember that He’s got it all under control.

Maybe that’s where you are right now — pushing through, doing all the things, and telling yourself you’ll rest “later.” Can I gently say this? Don’t wait for God to force you to slow down. He loves you too much to let you keep running on empty.

Sometimes, He lets the world pause around you — not to punish you, but to protect you. To remind you that your worth isn’t in what you do, but in who you are… His beloved child.

So if you hear Him whisper, “Slow down,” — maybe it’s not about stopping. Maybe it’s about meeting Him there.

Because the moment I finally did… peace found me right where I was.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10

Sometimes, slowing down isn’t a setback. It’s an invitation — to rest, to breathe, and to remember that even when you’re not moving, God still is.