But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years…
…and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you. 2 Pet. 3:8-9 (NIV)
Heavenly Father, we need this word of encouragement from Peter on a regular basis. Thank you for being patient with our impatience, and tolerant or our intolerance. You’ve never been late for anything. If we knew what you know, we’d never whine, only worship; we’d never doubt, only delight ourselves in you.
Along with everything else you’ve promised and planned, you’ll send Jesus back to finish making all things new at just the right time. That grand Day will happen, not a day early and not a day late.
And how we long for the Day of Jesus’ return. No more death or pain, mourning or bad mornings; no more goodbyes or good riddance’s, disappointing others or being disappointed; no more wars or even arguments, broken hearts or broken anything; no more heartaches or heartburn, sick kids in our homes or sinful attitudes in our hearts. We will become as lovely and as loving as Jesus (1 John 3:1-3). What more could we possibly crave?
Father, we’re so thankful to know that there’s no panic or second-guessing in heaven today. You’re not distracted or perplexed about anything. Your hands are not tied; your heart is fully engaged. Though it’s hard to understand why you haven’t answered certain prayers we’ve offered, with a quick and big “Yes!” Nevertheless, you do all things well. You gave Jesus for our sins; certainly we can trust you to give us everything else we really need (Phil. 4:19).
So grant us grace in our waiting, strength for our loving, and wisdom in our decisions. Supersize our peace, joy, and trust, Father. And until the Day for which we long, fill our hearts with kindness and gentleness, as we bear one another’s burdens. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ compassionate and grace-full name.
