Follow Fast
There’s a sense of holy urgency that pulses through Romans 12—especially in The Message version. It doesn’t just encourage us to live for God… it pushes us into motion.
You’ll see phrases like:
“Quickly respond” (v2)
“Go ahead and be what you were made to be” (v6)
“Don’t quit” (v11)
“Be alert servants” (v11)
This isn’t passive language. It’s not “when you get around to it” or “after you figure everything out.” It’s clear and direct: Now. Go. Don’t wait.
Because when God speaks, the moment is full of possibility. But if we delay, doubt often walks through the door. And when we hesitate, other voices—fear, distraction, insecurity—can creep in and talk us out of what God is calling us to do.
Romans 12:2 (MSG) puts it like this:
"Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it."
That line gets me every time: Quickly respond.
But lately, I’ve been thinking… both parts matter.
You can’t respond to what you don’t recognize.
And recognizing something from God—but never moving on it—still misses the point.
To truly follow fast, we need both: A sensitive heart that hears Him clearly, and a willing spirit that says yes without delay.
That phrase—quickly respond—has echoed in my heart more than once. I remember a moment last year when I felt a clear prompting from God to reach out to someone I hadn’t spoken to in a while. It wasn’t convenient. I was busy. I didn’t even know what I was supposed to say. But that nudge wouldn’t go away.
So I called.
What I didn’t know was that they were in the middle of a spiritual crisis. That one phone call became a turning point—not because I had perfect words, but simply because I showed up.
That moment reminded me: God isn’t waiting for us to be perfect. He’s asking us to be present.
That experience opened my eyes. It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about being willing. But let’s be honest: we all have things that get in the way.
What holds us back from following fast?
Fear of failure – What if I mess up?
Desire for control – I need a perfect plan first.
Distraction – I’ll get to it… eventually.
Insecurity – I’m not enough.
Comfort – I like how things are now.
But here’s the truth:
Obedience delayed is often opportunity denied.
When we move quickly:
We build trust in God’s voice.
We sharpen our sensitivity to His leading.
We stay aligned with the Spirit’s timing.
God doesn’t need us to be flawless—just faithful.
That’s the beauty of quick obedience. It’s not about perfection. It’s about posture—a heart that says, “God, I trust You more than my timing or my comfort.”
If that’s your desire too, let this prayer be your starting place today:
A Prayer for Today
Lord, I don’t want to hesitate when You call.
Help me recognize Your voice and respond quickly.
Remove the fear, doubt, or distractions that hold me back.
Give me a heart that trusts You more than it trusts my comfort.
I want to live a life marked by faith-filled action, not delayed obedience.
I’m available today—use me. Amen.
Make It Personal:
What has God been nudging you to do that you’ve been putting off?
Are you waiting for perfect conditions to obey?
Is there a step of faith you can take today—even if it’s small?
What’s one area where you can quickly respond this week?
God’s timing is intentional. Don’t miss what He wants to do through you just because you're waiting to feel ready. The truth is—you may never feel ready.
But you are called.
And that’s enough.
So go ahead. Fix your attention. Recognize what He’s asking.
And quickly respond.
Was this a word you needed today?
Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear what God is speaking to you. Or better yet, share this with a friend who needs a reminder to Follow Fast. You never know what one simple “yes” could do.
