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, you’ve written this good news in your Word; please quicken it to our hearts. Thank you for being patient with our impatience and compassionate when we doubt. Thank you for showing us great love when we show little trust. We get antsy and testy, but you’re always at peace and in charge.
You’ve never been late for anything, Father. “Swiss Time” is tardiness, compared to the precision of your timing. Even your delays work for our delight. You’ll send Jesus back to make everything right on schedule. That grand Day won’t happen a day early, or a day late.
And how we long for that Day. No more death, pain, or mourning; no more knowing in part or loving in part; no more human trafficking or even bad traffic; no more hatred, only whole-cosmos peace; no more need to either apologize or forgive; no more broken hearts or broken anything.
But Father, your faithfulness isn’t just tied to the timing of Jesus’ return, but also to everything else. You are at work in all things for our good, and your glory. There’s no panic or second-guessing in heaven today. You’re not distracted, agitated, or perplexed about anything. You never “try” to do anything, as though failure is a possibility with you. You don’t react, you only act—mercifully and mightily.
Grant us grace in our waiting, strength in our weakness, and wisdom in our uncertainty. Free us to be less preoccupied with our stories, and more attentive to the needs of others around us. Fill our hearts with kindness and gentleness, as we bear one another’s burdens. May we live as tenacious encouragers, Father. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ compassionate and grace-full name.
