The Patience of God

“The LORD is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness.  He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”  2 Peter 3:9

The Lord has promised to return for His bride, the Church. His second coming will bring with it the end of suffering, death, sin, injustice, and disease for all those who belong to Him. Therefore, it is easy, especially in times of hurting, to wonder why He tarries. Our hearts long to be free from the effects of sin in our mortal bodies. We long to be with Jesus. And yet, we still wait.

Today's key verse explains why. It is wonderful insight into the heart of God. He waits to return because He is patient with sinners…desiring that every person would repent and believe in Jesus Christ. I have often heard the question, “Why would a loving God send anyone to hell?” 2 Peter 3:9 shows us that God does not want anyone to perish in hell.  Instead, He longs for men to repent and turn to Him…so much so that He patiently delays Christ’s return.

This is what God said through the prophet Isaiah concerning Christ’s return:

“Turn to Me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.  By Myself I have sworn, My mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked:  Before Me every knee will bow; by Me every tongue will swear.  They will say of Me, ‘In the LORD alone are righteousness and strength.’” (Isaiah 45:22-24)

A time will come when every knee will bow and every mouth will confess the Lord. This is certain. The only question is, when will my knees bow and my mouth confess? Will it be now, while God patiently waits, or later, after Christ returns? He is Lord either way. I do not make Him Lord of my life. He is Lord already. I do, however, have a choice to surrender to His lordship over my life before it is too late.

These words in Isaiah were first spoken in approximately 700 B.C. That is more than 2,700 years ago. What a patient God! He waits because His heart has not changed in over 2,700 years. He still desires for men to turn to Him in faith. Have you surrendered to Him as Lord over all? If not, please do so right now. He will not wait forever.

Father, thank You for Your patience with me. I praise You for Your patience with those who do not yet believe in You. Today, I surrender my whole life to You, agreeing with Your word that You are Lord over all. Use me today as You see fit. In Jesus’ name, amen.