Day Three | Wednesday

EARLY, LATE OR ON TIME?

Don’t overlook the obvious here, friends. With God, one day is as good as a thousand years, a thousand years as a day. God isn’t late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn’t want anyone lost. He’s giving everyone space and time to change.

2 Peter 3:8-9 (MSG)

Simon. Theodore. Alvin. Do these names sound familiar to you? If they do, you are probably close to retirement age. These are the names of the famous Alvin and the Chipmunks. And way back in the mid-1900s, they had a famous song called The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late). In a nutshell, because Chipmunks like nuts, the Chipmunks lament the fact that Christmas isn’t here yet. They are trying to be good and want their presents, which include a plane and a hula hoop. (Look up the song to get the full effect of the devotion.) Many a child, and some adults, I assume, can relate to this refrain of wanting Christmas to hurry up so the presents can be opened!

Do you ever feel like God is late with the things you want to see happen? Like the Chipmunks proclaiming their fear that Christmas will somehow be late, we often discuss with God how His timing is off; it doesn’t fit our schedule. And yet, somehow, God’s timing is perfect. Have you ever looked back on a situation where you were sure things should go a certain way within a certain time frame (you had it written down in your planner), only for it to take longer and you to be frustrated or upset? And yet, something came from it that the extra time made it work better than if it had occurred in your timing?

That word that we all love to hear (insert sarcasm emoji) comes to mind: patience. Many of us struggle with this word, but God doesn’t. He knows the end from the beginning, and He is working everything out for our good… and for others’ good. His patience yields eternal results; His patience allows many to come to Him for salvation. His patience is perfect.

APPLICATION: Journal some gratitude prayers to God about blessings that have occurred in your life because God was patient with you. Some areas could include your relationships, your finances or your health (physical/mental/emotional).

PRAYER: Father, I pray that many will recognize Your patience today and respond to the invitation for eternal life. Amen.