Some of you may be rolling your eyes and likening me to the church lady after this post. It's ok. It isn't the first time, nor do I imagine it will be the last. *Go ahead and insert a little sideways smile here if you'd like.* Granted, Dana Carvey's Saturday Night Live character is a bit extreme, but ultimately she sees things as either black or white.
So do I. Having the reputation of someone who stands for God is not one I can shy away from. I'm finding more and more that means taking a very unpopular stand with what appears to be the majority of society.
But at the same time, it's never my intent to be in your face.
I just want to get the information out there and make sure you know what's what.
Ultimately, what you do with it is up to you.
That said, here we go...
Peter and the other believers thought Jesus would return during their lifetime.
It's understandable that nonbelievers would taunt the church with snide remarks, but that's Peter speaking—and, he was writing to the church! Yikes. Have a little patience, people! 😏
How would they have reacted if they had known God planned for thousands of years to pass? If Peter thought people were letting their evil desires get out of hand in his day, imagine the mind blowing culture shock if he were plopped into our world! Generation upon generation of ancestors have passed and still life goes on. Hum drum, helter skelter and every possibility in between... Wherever you find yourself on the spectrum of life, time is moving forward and the clock will run out. If you've read The Big Fat Fairy Tale, you know it's the plan of the devil, himself, to distract you from the life God has planned for you. Not only here on earth, but for eternity if possible. Sadly, that evil plot seems easier and easier accomplished in the massive swirl of distractions surrounding us today. It seems the majority of the world has put on blinders, not wanting to see even a glimpse of the truth. Don't kiss that frog!
Then, there are those of us who will climb up on our soap box, arms flailing, in hopes of catching an eye. We want to share what we've learned to give others the opportunity to believe.
Still, I'm sure I'm not the only Christian that's had moments of feeling like a very small light in a very dark world. Wondering, "Where is He? What is God waiting for?"
Well, I was recently reminded that a small light glows brighter as darkness closes in. I mentioned last post that I've been thinking about time and the fact that it flies by. If you are a believer, perhaps you think like I do that we are racing toward Jesus' return at break neck speed. Truly living in the last days! We might actually be here when Jesus returns! That's an extremely exciting thought for me; but a sad one, too, because there are still those I know and love who have not realized their need to ask Jesus to become their Lord and Savior. (To learn more about how to do this, Take a Walk with me.) For that reason, I'm glad God is waiting to set the final wave of life as we know it in motion. And, if my heart breaks at the thought of loved ones lost, God's must do the same to the nth degree. He had a plan in the beginning and it will come to fruition. When? Only God knows the day and the hour.
Why is He waiting so long?
I think Peter summed up the answer, nicely. But, first he chastised the scoffers a bit for "deliberately forgetting" what God had done in the past and promised for the future.
Then he said, "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
~2 Peter 3:8-9
"Not wanting anyone to perish."
As a father peers down the road, hoping to see his long lost child homeward bound...He waits.
Is it for you?
If you have not yet come to know Jesus as your Savior, I pray today will be the day.
I do! If you do know Jesus, then you know He would not have us stand idly by waiting His return. Get out there! Find a way to help share the Good News! I'll be praying for you, I'll be praying for all of us. Love, C