Journey of the Word

Do you ever wonder why Jesus is so slow? Why does he take so long? Why can’t he just come now and fix the mess this world is in?

These are the thoughts that go through my head when I hear of shootings, miscarriages, hurricanes, or cancer, or see lives torn apart by the lovely, pathetic handiwork of a losing accuser.

Sometimes the burden seems too great. {I say “seems,” because if I would just hand it to Jesus, he would carry it.}

Moments come when I am tempted to despair. {I say “tempted,” because can I despair, really?}

The heaviness is so intense at times, my only thought is, “Jesus, you are SO SLOW. You’re taking too long! Why don’t you come now? Please, just come! We need you! Our hearts burn, groan, bleed with longing. Have mercy on us, and come quickly!”

And then I read,

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

Patient. He is not slow, but patient. While I wish for immediate perfection, souls rush to everlasting destruction. While I complain and wallow in pity, Christ incites repentance and showers redemption.

While I suffer in this world, he is building his kingdom in the next.

So I choose to join him in his death-defying work as I wait for the day of his coming with grateful patience and indestructible joy.

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