“The Lord isn’t slow to do what he promised, as some people think. Rather, he is patient for your sake. He doesn’t want to destroy anyone but wants all people to have an opportunity to turn to him and change the way they think and act.” 2 Peter 3:9 (GW)
When God looks down on the earth and sees so much sin in the world, why does he put up with it? He’s got the power to shut it all down. So why is he allowing a broken planet to continue to limp along?
Because although the world’s broken, God is still in control—and history is moving toward a climax. History is his story, and he’s not finished yet.
The Bible says in 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord isn’t slow to do what he promised, as some people think. Rather, he is patient for your sake. He doesn’t want to destroy anyone but wants all people to have an opportunity to turn to him and change the way they think and act” (GW).
God is patiently enduring all the grief that he sees on this planet. Why? Because he’s waiting for people to step across the line and follow Jesus as their Savior and Lord. He wants all people to become part of his family—that includes you!
And if you’re in his family, he wants you to tell everyone you know about the Good News of Jesus because he wants them in his family too. God is waiting so that more people have the opportunity to receive his grace.
Many people say, “I can’t believe in a God who would callously stand by, unmoved, and watch children suffer.” I don’t believe in that kind of God either!
I believe in a God who weeps when he sees the people he created hurting each other. And I believe in a God who is one day going to stop evil dead in its tracks and settle the score. The Bible says there’s going to be a day when God judges all sin and evil.
But here’s the good news: If you’ve accepted Jesus as your Savior, you don’t need to fear that day. The Bible says, “There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1 NLT). That means when you stand before God, you won’t stand there alone or ashamed. You’ll stand in his grace—totally forgiven, because of what Jesus has already done for you on the cross.
Yes, the world is broken, and yes, there’s evil—but God is in control. He’s still got the whole world in his hands. And he’s giving us a little more time to choose him and to tell others about his love for them.
What are you waiting for?
Do you feel a sense of urgency to tell people about the gospel? Why or why not?
If you knew Jesus was going to return to earth tomorrow, who would you share the Good News with today?
How can we know what God feels when he looks at the world?
Are you ready to step across the line and follow Jesus as your Savior and Lord?
If you’ve never invited Jesus into your heart, I want you to have that opportunity now. Tell God you trust his promise of salvation through Jesus by praying this prayer:
“Dear heavenly Father, I confess that I have sinned against you, and I ask for your forgiveness. Thank you for your promise that, through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, there is no condemnation for those who are in him—and that through him, my guilt is taken away.
“I believe in Jesus and accept him as my Savior and Lord. I give my life to you completely, trusting in your grace and love. Thank you for saving me and making me new. Help me to follow Jesus every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
If you just prayed to accept Jesus, please email me at Rick@PastorRick.com and let me know. I’d like to send you some free materials to help you start your journey with Jesus.
