I continue to marvel at how fast time seems to speed by. Days turn into weeks in the blink of an eye. As a child, it seemed to take forever for the weekend or summer vacation to arrive. Now, I wonder how I managed to get everything done while working full-time! Thankfully, we can rejoice in God’s perfect timing! Peter has something to say about that, too.
It’s all relative to God. As Peter says, “A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day.” When waiting for answered prayer or even Jesus’ return, it’s helpful to remember God’s timing is always perfect. We are the impatient ones, with our desire for immediate gratification. Solomon’s wisdom tells us in Ecclesiastes 3:1, “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.”
God’s timing is unknown to us, and Peter wants us to remember and be ready for the coming “Day of the Lord.” When God deems it to be the perfect time, judgment will reign down on the earth. Those who have scoffed at God and turned their back on His truth will perish. For those of us who have stayed true and focused on God’s command to love Him and others, we will share in the light of salvation.
God isn’t in a rush. Peter suggests God remains patient so more people can repent and be saved. That’s why God wants us to share the Good News so people will no longer be uninformed. God doesn’t want anyone to be left behind. We are to be a mouthpiece for God, sounding the alarm to help draw people’s attention back to the Creator who loves them.
However, the Lord will not wait forever. At some undisclosed time, He will return with judgment for all. We have no way of knowing whether this will happen in our lifetimes or not. It shouldn’t matter. We prepare for that day by living “holy and godly lives,” also described as “peaceful” and “pure and blameless” in God’s sight. I don’t know about you, but I want to be ready in case tomorrow is the day. How are you doing at being prepared?
We can rest assured that God’s timing will be perfect. He probably already knows the day and the hour this day will come. We know not to worry but focus on doing our part. Who can you share the Good News with this week?
Let’s pray. Thank you, Lord, for your patience with me. Forgive me for my weakness and tendency to want to control things. Your timing is perfect, and I need not be afraid. Help me to focus on you so I can avoid the wickedness of this world that seeks to devour me. Give me eyes to see and understand your truth. Help me share your love with others. I want to trust you with my whole heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
