Read: 2 Peter 3:8–15
With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. 2 Peter 3:8
Patience. Some of us seem to have it, others don’t. Long lines, traffic, and being left on hold can drive some of us absolutely crazy, while others seem perfectly content to wait. Anticipation can get the best of many of us, while others always seem completely sanguine and peaceful. The patient ones among us seem to understand something that alludes the rest of us—they seem to comprehend the divine nature of waiting, and they can see the value of taking time. The rest of us can only pray for such insight.
God is patient. God doesn’t rush. God’s time is different from our time. God understands that it takes time to form a life. It takes time for transformation to take place. It takes time for the Word to sink into our souls so that it can bloom and grow in our actions and living. God is patient with us, wanting all of us to come to repentance. Perhaps that is an indication that we should be patient with others…and even ourselves.
Are you patient?
Lord, I am not patient by nature. I want what I want, when I want it. In fact, I get bent out of shape when I have to wait. I see only inconvenience when my time is taken up by standing in line. Help me to understand the holy nature of waiting. Help me to learn to wait as You wait: with patience, trust, and the hope that all things will eventually mature and grow and improve. In Jesus’ name, I pray. AMEN.