God is Patient With Us by Annie V. of USA

God is Patient with Us

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

My Mother recently had the privilege of attending her 70 year old sister’s baptism. Her sister knew of Jesus’ saving grace for most of her life, but chose to not follow Him and had vowed to never step foot in a church due to past experiences. My mom prayed for her regularly. And continued to pray for years. When my aunt started talking about Jesus once again, my mom continued to pray and recruited her kids to pray too. And last month, she was able to not only witness her sister’s baptism, but see her serving actively in her church.

The Bible is full of examples of God’s patience with us. 2 Peter 3:9 tells us plainly that He is patient with us, but as we read the Bible, we can see over and over how this is true. God promised to make Abraham the father of many before he even had a child. Joseph dreamed he would be a leader of his people, but he had to be sold into slavery and put in jail before that promise came true. And of course, God gave the Israelites generations before he exiled them for their disobedience.

So when you suffer through hard times or see loved ones that haven’t come to saving faith yet, keep praying, keep persevering. We can praise God for his patience with us no matter our behavior, but because it is part of who He is.

Prayer – Father we thank and praise you for your patience with us. Let us praise you since even though you are perfectly holy, you give us the time to come to you in obedience.