A friend of mine wondered why God is so slow and quiet! Of course he didn't mean that God is like a slow learner and antisocial person. Rather he wondered why God does not punish bad things promptly and give verbal warnings to evil people so that they could correct their wicked and harmful behaviour, which threaten the peace and safety of our society. Likewise, if God at least hinted or just reminded us that what God's will is, then the people of the world would find it easier to discern right from wrong. But so far it seems that God is still slow and silent to the matters of the world.
According to the Bible, at the first stage of human history, God was involved in people's lives actively and quickly. For example, in Numbers chapter 13-14, the twelve spies reported the situation in the land of Canaan, after forty days of spying out the land which God had promised to give the people of Israel. Because of their reports, the people rebelled against Moses who had delivered them from the bondage of slavery in Egypt. They were so upset with Moses and God that the people wanted to go back to Egypt again.
Then God was angry with them and wanted to get rid of all rebellious people immediately. But Moses pleaded with God to be patient with them for the sake of saving face. If God punished the people whom He had led out of Egypt, what would the Egyptians and other nations talk about God when they heard about this massacre? God quelled his anger and withdrew his desire to punish them immediately, but did not allow any of those who rebelled against and tested him to enter the promised land.
Since then God's anger and intention to punish people who have been rebellious against Him has dramatically reduced. Instead of speaking and being involved directly in people's lives, God has been speaking indirectly through messengers and showing His will through signs and wonders whenever necessary. So it seems that God is slow and quiet. In fact God speaks more loudly and clearly than ever before and works for creation more actively today. God calls you and me to speak and do His works. Why? Because so many people are desperate to hear God's voice and the creatures of the Earth are groaning from their wounds and exploitations by thoughtless and rebellious people. Jesus said, "Let anyone with ears listen!" (Matthew 11:15). Silence speaks louder than words and slow but steady wins the race always!
