“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
2 Peter 3:9
Have you ever been impatient with God? Have you ever been hoping and praying and asking God for something, but it feels like he just isn’t delivering? I know that I definitely have.
I remember being broken up with by my high school girlfriend and being absolutely crushed. I prayed and prayed and prayed that God would fix it and let us get back together. It’s honestly a little embarrassing to think about! Regardless of how much I prayed, the answer I wanted just wasn’t coming. I held on to hope a lot longer than I probably should have, and kept waiting.
We never did get back together. I never did get the response that I was looking for then. But of course, as these kinds of stories usually go, I met my wife in college. We’re married now and have a child together. I love her and I’m infinitely grateful that I didn’t get the answer that I was looking for in high school, but instead got the real answer a few years later.
You see, my prayers did not go unanswered. It took a few years, but with perfect timing, God gave me a better answer. One could say that it was slow, taking years to reach fruition, but it wasn’t slow, it was right on time. God has a good and perfect plan. He is patient in delivering that plan so that in the right time, you will have the good things that he planned for you.
Of course, that example is small compared to many of the things that we pray for. Sometimes in the face of illness or loss or suffering, the lack of an immediate respite is even more unbearable and feels even slower. Even then, we must trust God. He has a good plan, and as Peter says in this verse, he does not want anything bad for us, he does not wish for any to perish. What he does want for us is to repent, to turn to him, and to find life and goodness there.
His timing is good, trust him. Repent, devote yourself to prayer and thanksgiving, and in perfect time, God will provide.
Father,
Help me to trust you more. Help me to trust your timing and not my own. Let me not be impatient in waiting, but hopeful in faith.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Add Comment