“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

2 Peter 3:9
After being a Christian for some time, I felt compelled to pray for my mother, a practicing Buddhist. There were times she offered food to the idols at the home altar, and then used that food for dinner. As a Christ-follower, I felt strongly that eating food offered to idols was wrong (see 1 Corinthians 8), but I also wanted to win her to my faith and not offend her. I decided to participate in meals with her, having learned that an idol is nothing (v. 4).

 

I continued to pray for my mother for some 40 years, unrelentingly begging the Lord to reach into her heart. When she was 90 years old, God graciously and finally answered my prayer. She received Christ while living in a Christian nursing home. There I saw her sharing her newfound faith with her friends. I wept to know that God was so extremely patient with her, not willing that she should perish, but that she should be with Him.

 

Just look at “the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience” and realize “God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance” (see Romans 2:4).



Scripture Focus

2 Peter 3:8-15

Insight

“As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. …The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” (James 5:11)

Bible In A Year

  • 1 Chronicles 8-9
  • Proverbs 28
  • Revelation 11-12

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