S-L-O-W as Molasses
Friday, December 5, 2025
“I like to make running water walk.” – Rep. Sam Rayburn
Sam Rayburn was a 24-term (you read that right) congressman who represented Texas’s 4th congressional district from 1913 to 1961. That means that when he was first elected to Congress, William Howard Taft was about to give way to Woodrow Wilson and when he died in office, John F. Kennedy had just taken over for Dwight D. Eisenhower. That’s a very, very long time.
During his 48 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, Rayburn also served as Speaker of the House three different times for a combined 17 years, the longest tenure ever. In recognition of his record of public service, the building where the House members’ offices are located was named the Rayburn House Office Building when it was completed in 1965.
Sam Rayburn was not a flamboyant politician, preferring to work behind the scenes to build a consensus and get legislation passed. That’s why today’s quote is typical of this southern gentleman, who liked to move slowly and methodically.
When it comes to spiritual matters, there are times when God calls us to act swiftly and decisively, such as when there are injustices to be made right and souls to be saved. However, there are other times when He desires us to wait quietly and patiently instead of acting rashly and impulsively. Knowing when to act and when to wait comes with age and spiritual maturity.
Meanwhile, maybe the following verses will be of some help…
“Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!” Psalm 27:14 (BSB)
“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men prosper in their ways, when they carry out wicked schemes.” Psalm 37:7 (BSB)
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President
