From FAST to SLOW: The Journey of Growing Closer to Jesus

As Neil Anderson, with input from Larry Crabb, write about growing closer to Jesus (in character, calling, and intimacy) as the journey from
FAST (Fear Anger Shame Trauma)
to SLOW (Spirit-Led Obedient Waiting).
ChatGPT Prompt (condensed)

Growing closer to Jesus is a journey of transformation—a movement from survival-driven living (FAST) to Spirit-led flourishing (SLOW). It’s not about striving harder but about embracing the freedom, intimacy, and purpose that Jesus offers. This transformation reshapes our character, refines our calling, and deepens our intimacy with God.

FAST—marked by Fear, Anger, Shame, and Trauma—reflects the old “animal skins” God gave Adam and Eve to survive outside Eden. SLOW—defined by being Spirit-Led, Obedient, and Waiting—represents the “robes of righteousness” purchased by Christ, inviting us into new life. Let’s explore how this transition unfolds and how it draws us closer to Jesus.

1. Understanding the Journey: From FAST to SLOW

1.1 FAST: Survival Mode Outside Eden

After the Fall, life became marked by survival, self-protection, and striving. God, in His mercy, provided animal skins to Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:21), a practical covering for a harsh, broken world. These skins symbolize humanity’s coping mechanisms—ways we protect ourselves when living apart from God’s presence.

Fear: We retreat or control to shield ourselves from harm.
Anger: We lash out, trying to regain a sense of power or justice.
Shame: We hide, convinced we are unworthy of love or acceptance.
Trauma: We carry wounds that keep us reactive, defensive, and disconnected.

While these responses help us survive, they prevent us from thriving. FAST keeps us stuck in self-reliance, blocking the intimacy, peace, and freedom Jesus desires for us.

1.2 SLOW: Living in Freedom Through Christ

Jesus offers a new way of living—not in survival, but in freedom. Through His sacrifice, He clothes us in robes of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10), restoring our identity and inviting us to trust Him fully. SLOW living replaces reaction with reliance, grounded in the Spirit’s guidance.

Spirit-Led: Listening for the Holy Spirit’s voice and following His lead.
Obedient: Trusting God’s Word and surrendering to His direction.
Waiting: Embracing God’s timing, resisting the urge to control outcomes.

SLOW living reflects not just external obedience but an internal transformation, where our character, calling, and intimacy with Jesus grow as we trust Him more deeply.

2. Growing in Character: Becoming Like Jesus

The journey from FAST to SLOW begins with who we are. Jesus is not interested in superficial changes; He wants to transform our hearts. As we surrender to Him, the Spirit replaces fear, anger, shame, and trauma with the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

Suggestions for Character Transformation:

From Fear to Faith: Trust that God is your refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1). Practice bringing your anxieties to Him in prayer (Philippians 4:6-7).
From Anger to Peace: Surrender control and choose forgiveness. Ask, “What does love require of me in this situation?”
From Shame to Acceptance: Reflect on your identity as God’s beloved child (Romans 8:15). Reject lies of unworthiness and embrace His grace.
From Trauma to Healing: Invite Jesus into your pain. Meditate on Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.”

True character transformation begins when we stop managing behavior and allow Jesus to reshape the desires and motivations of our hearts.

3. Embracing Your Calling: Living with Purpose

God has called each of us to reflect His love and light to the world. However, living in FAST often keeps us focused on self-preservation rather than serving others. SLOW allows us to step into our calling with trust and purpose, relying on God to guide and equip us.

Suggestions for Living Out Your Calling:

From Reacting to Responding: When challenges arise, pause and ask, “How can I respond in a way that honors God and others?”
From Striving to Serving: Stop trying to prove your worth through accomplishments. Instead, focus on meeting the needs of those God places in your path.
From Control to Trust: Release the need to manage outcomes and trust God’s plan for your life (Proverbs 3:5-6).

As Jesus modeled, fulfilling our calling involves obedience and surrender. True purpose comes not from achieving our goals but from aligning our lives with God’s will.

4. Deepening Your Intimacy: Walking Closer with Jesus

At the heart of the Christian life is intimacy with God. Yet FAST living often keeps us at arm’s length—hiding in shame, reacting in anger, or fleeing in fear. SLOW invites us into a deeper relationship with Jesus, where we experience His presence and trust His love.

Suggestions for Intimacy with Jesus:

Be Honest in Prayer: Bring your fears, doubts, and desires to God. He longs for an authentic relationship with you.
Listen in Silence: Spend time in stillness, asking the Holy Spirit to speak.
Wait with Expectancy: Instead of rushing to solve problems, wait for God’s timing, trusting He is at work (Psalm 27:14).
Reflect Relationally on Scripture: Read the Bible not just for knowledge but as a way to encounter God. Ask, “What is He revealing about Himself and my relationship with Him?”

Intimacy with Jesus grows as we abide in Him (John 15:5), allowing His love to transform our hearts and draw us closer to Him.

5. Trusting the Process: Brokenness and Redemption

The journey from FAST to SLOW is not quick or easy. It often involves seasons of brokenness, where God uses our struggles to draw us closer to Him. Transformation happens when we embrace this process and trust that He is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28).

Suggestions for Trusting the Process:

Reframe Pain as Growth: Instead of asking, “Why is this happening?” ask, “What is God teaching me?”
Celebrate Progress: Focus on how God is shaping you, even if the process feels incomplete.
Share Your Story: Let your experiences of brokenness and redemption point others to Jesus.

6. Living in SLOW: Becoming Who You Were Meant to Be

Moving from FAST to SLOW is not about perfection but about dependence. It’s about recognizing the old patterns of survival and stepping into the new life Jesus offers. As we live Spirit-led, obedient, and waiting lives, we grow closer to Jesus, becoming like Him in character, fulfilling His calling, and experiencing deeper intimacy with Him.

Final Encouragement:
The journey from FAST to SLOW is ultimately about trust—trusting that Jesus has already clothed you in righteousness and is faithfully working to complete the good work He began in you (Philippians 1:6). Rest in His love, embrace His process, and walk in the freedom of His Spirit as you grow closer to Him each day.

Radically Happy