PATIENT IN MERCY

2 Peter 3:9a

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish.

To live in ''hurry'' is not tl1e way of God. His plans and works throughout history come at just the right time. In fact, Scripture teaches us about how God chooses the ''fullness of time'' to act: ''When the set time had fully come, God sent his Son'' (Galatians 4:4a).

It is as if God is staging the work. He gets the setting, the characters, the story exactly right before He enters history. There are, no doubt, many intricate details to this masterful work of God that we have yet to learn about.

Patience is a wonderful gift both to yourself and to others. Our scripture today reveals that God's character is patient in His desire for mercy. ''The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty'' (Proverbs 21:5).

Patience allows us to fully take in the complexity of what is confronting us. Hurry, on the other hand, causes us to feel anxious and worried. This state is not peaceful nor does it allow for thoughtfulness. Hurry often disregards the other person as we may seek to control their responses.

Lee's rejoice in gratitude today for the patience of God as He desires for everyone to come to Him.