Don’t linger when God calls

Today I was reading from Genesis 19. The chapter recounts the unsettling events surrounding Lot as angels arrive in Sodom. What follows is a narrative marked by tension, warning, disbelief, and a critical pause—one that says so much about the human heart and God’s grace.

Lot is introduced here as someone of significance. He sat at the gate of the city, a place reserved for the influential—leaders, elders, decision-makers. And yet, when the time came to influence those closest to him for their own salvation, he fell short. After witnessing a deeply distressing encounter where the depravity of Sodom is exposed, the angels urge Lot to gather anyone who belongs to him and leave. The city is to be destroyed.

Lot understood the urgency. He had just seen a supernatural act—the blinding of the mob at his doorstep. Still, when he went to speak with his family, they laughed. They thought he was joking. And what did Lot do next? He lingered.

That word struck me.

Why linger after receiving such a clear warning from God? Was it his possessions? His position? Was he unsure about the future, afraid of the unknown outside the city? Whatever the reason, the danger was real, and the clock was ticking. Yet he hesitated.

In contrast, I thought of Rahab in the story of Jericho. A prostitute—someone with no societal power, no seat at any gate. And yet, when she heard what was coming, she acted with bold faith. She gathered her family, brought them to the designated place, and they were saved. One used their influence to change nothing. The other used her conviction to change everything.

That comparison stirred something in me. Lot had status, but Rahab had impact. Lot lingered in fear and loss. Rahab moved in faith and hope. Lot’s story turned downward after that mountain escape. Rahab’s lineage became part of the story of Jesus.

What am I doing with my influence? When God calls me out of a place—whether it’s physical, emotional, or spiritual—do I linger? Do I hesitate because of what I’d be leaving behind?

There are a few reminders God whispered into my heart through this:

• When God calls, He has my best in mind. The call to leave is always a call to life.
• You cannot serve two masters. Position and possessions must never take the place of the One who owns it all.
• God is just. He does not destroy the righteous with the wicked, but He does call the righteous to move.
• What good is it to gain the world, but lose your soul?

There’s a verse in 2 Peter 2:7–8 that speaks about righteous Lot, how his soul was tormented by the wickedness around him. Yet despite that suffering, he didn’t have the strength to walk away—until God intervened. That’s a sobering reminder that conviction without action can lead to spiritual stagnation.

And so my prayer today is this:

Lord, keep me humble. Keep me supple. Let me never grow so attached to the things of this world that I hesitate when You call. Teach me to steward, not to own. Help me to be faithful with what You have entrusted to me. May I do the work—and may You bring the results.

I’m reminded of the hope I have, the song that keeps me anchored:

“I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today.
He lives, He lives!"

"Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, all fear is gone.”

Because He lives, I don’t need to linger in places where I don’t belong.
Because He lives, I can walk forward—even when it’s hard.
Because He lives, I know I am safe in His arms.