Scripture: 2nd Peter 3:9
The Lord isn’t slow to keep his promise, as some think of slowness, but he is patient toward you, not wanting anyone to perish but all to change their hearts and lives.
Thought for the Day: These words come from a larger context in which we find warnings about being ready, prepared for whatever the Lord might do. It might appear that God is slow, but slowness is based on perspective. We may think the ultimate outcome is dawdling along, yet what goes unnoticed is all the little changes happening within people – little changes that make the foundation for the larger happenings. According to 2nd Peter, God is patient toward us. Patience is respectful love, yet because patience is based in love, it is an agent of change. Each of us needs to recognize our responsibility, and to be reminded of the words of Richard Rohr who wrote, “Authentic spirituality is always about changing you. It’s not about trying to change anyone else.” It’s a little like the song with the line, “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me,” but we can sing, “Let there be change on earth and let it begin with me.”
Prayer: You are wonderful and gracious, Lord God. Your patience is an embodiment of your love. Allow it to work within me, gently shaping me to be more like you. This I ask in the name of the one who gives us the standard for living, Jesus Christ. Amen.
