Slow Burn: Part 2

This message confronts us with a powerful truth: patience in our faith journey isn't about passive waiting—it's about active trust in God's perfect timing. Drawing from Philippians 1:3-12, we're reminded that the God who started a good work in us will faithfully complete it. The sermon challenges us to examine whether we're trying to rush God's work or force His hand to match our expectations. Like ordering a meal and being disappointed when it arrives differently than imagined, we often submit our desires to God but become frustrated when His answer doesn't match our vision. The imagery of smoking meat becomes a beautiful metaphor: a brisket takes 13 hours to reach perfection, while a steak takes 45 minutes. We want immediate results, but God is marinating our blessings, preparing something far better than we could create ourselves. The call here is to surrender our right to be 'fussy' with God, to stop letting our emotions dictate our faith, and to maintain a slow-burning fire—the kind of steady, quiet faith that the enemy cannot shake. When we know God's Word deeply and remain rooted in His promises, we become like embers that radiate intense heat even when the flames aren't visible. This is the faith that overcomes.