A Patient Father by David Jeremiah

Friday, August 24 A Patient Father    The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.  2 Peter 3:9    A mom or dad can put a toddler’s shoes and socks on, and tie the shoes in a fraction of the time it takes the little one to do the same thing. And a neighborhood walk takes several times longer when a child is allowed to stop and explore bugs, rocks, leaves, and flowers along the way. Loving parents understand what’s happening in those moments. Their little one is learning and exploring at his own speed. Patience is the speed of the parent until the learning is done. Patience is an expression of a parent’s goodness and love.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 37:7-9

That’s an imperfect way to think about God’s patience with us. He is a perfect Heavenly Father; we are imperfect (still learning) earthly children. God is patient with humanity, believers and unbelievers alike. He knows our weaknesses and is patient with us (Hebrews 4:15). He knows unbelievers’ hearts and is longsuffering toward them, “not willing that any should perish” (2 Peter 3:9). When you feel impatient with yourself or with others, remember God’s loving patience with you.  Where there is no patience, there is not even a spark of faith.  John Calvin