The Patience of God

Friday, May 9th

Human beings are notoriously impatient. We want things done right now or yesterday. We often become impatient with our children, our husband or wife, the boss at work, our fellow workers, or those who work for us. We then pray, "Lord, give me patience, right now!"

It's a good things God isn't like that. Even though we neglect our duty to God, even though we neglect things like Sunday worship, Bible reading and prayer, God is patient with us. To put it on a more personal level, the Bible says, "The Lord is . . . patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). In other words, God is exceedingly patient with you; and you should be very grateful for God's patience.

Do you realize God is patient with you for a very special reason. God is patient with you because He wants you to repent. In the end you know that refusal to live your life by God's rules is sin. You also know your neglect of Sunday worship, Bible reading, and prayer displeases God. In response, God is patient with you. He wants you to turn back to Him. God is giving you time, time to repent.

God also does not want you to perish. He does not want to have to punish you for your sins against Him. God is therefore giving you time, time to repent. Isn't it therefore time for you to turn away from sin and turn back to God.

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