God’s Timing, Not Ours
08/02/2025
“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.”
— 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
If you’ve ever waited on a promise, you know how difficult the waiting room of life can be. We mark our calendars, count the days, and sometimes grow frustrated when God doesn’t move according to our schedule. But Peter reminds us of something vital, God’s slowness isn’t neglect. It’s mercy.
This verse was written to a people beginning to doubt the return of Christ. Decades had passed, and scoffers were saying, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised?”. But Peter, with pastoral heart and prophetic insight, shifts their perspective: God’s delay is deliberate. It’s not because He’s forgotten, but because He longs for repentance.
Imagine a parent who sees their child walking toward danger. The parent doesn’t immediately slam the door, they cry out, stretch out a hand, and wait for them to turn around. God, in His infinite compassion, does the same. His patience is not passivity; it’s purpose-driven love.
Maybe you’ve been praying for a prodigal to come home, or for justice in a world full of brokenness. Maybe you’re weary from watching evil persist while good seems to go unrewarded. In these moments, remember: God’s delay is giving more time for grace. He desires that everyone have a chance to return, to be rescued, to be restored.
That includes the person who wronged you. The addict down the street. The coworker who mocks your faith. And yes, it includes you and me, because we all still need God’s mercy every day.
Here are some things to help you on your journey.
Reflect on one area where you feel God is “delaying” and ask Him to give you peace in His timing.
Think of someone in your life who doesn’t know Jesus, pray for them by name today.
Show patience to someone who frustrates you, remembering how God is patient with you.
My challenge for you is this:
Live today with the urgency of eternity and the patience of Christ. Don’t give up on anyone…..God hasn’t.
Father, thank You for Your mercy and patience. Forgive me when I question Your timing. Help me trust in Your promises and wait with faith. Give me a heart like Yours that longs for all people to know You. Let me reflect Your love and truth today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
“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.”
— 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
If you’ve ever waited on a promise, you know how difficult the waiting room of life can be. We mark our calendars, count the days, and sometimes grow frustrated when God doesn’t move according to our schedule. But Peter reminds us of something vital, God’s slowness isn’t neglect. It’s mercy.
This verse was written to a people beginning to doubt the return of Christ. Decades had passed, and scoffers were saying, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised?”. But Peter, with pastoral heart and prophetic insight, shifts their perspective: God’s delay is deliberate. It’s not because He’s forgotten, but because He longs for repentance.
Imagine a parent who sees their child walking toward danger. The parent doesn’t immediately slam the door, they cry out, stretch out a hand, and wait for them to turn around. God, in His infinite compassion, does the same. His patience is not passivity; it’s purpose-driven love.
Maybe you’ve been praying for a prodigal to come home, or for justice in a world full of brokenness. Maybe you’re weary from watching evil persist while good seems to go unrewarded. In these moments, remember: God’s delay is giving more time for grace. He desires that everyone have a chance to return, to be rescued, to be restored.
That includes the person who wronged you. The addict down the street. The coworker who mocks your faith. And yes, it includes you and me, because we all still need God’s mercy every day.
Here are some things to help you on your journey.
Reflect on one area where you feel God is “delaying” and ask Him to give you peace in His timing.
Think of someone in your life who doesn’t know Jesus, pray for them by name today.
Show patience to someone who frustrates you, remembering how God is patient with you.
My challenge for you is this:
Live today with the urgency of eternity and the patience of Christ. Don’t give up on anyone…..God hasn’t.
Father, thank You for Your mercy and patience. Forgive me when I question Your timing. Help me trust in Your promises and wait with faith. Give me a heart like Yours that longs for all people to know You. Let me reflect Your love and truth today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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