I love a good explanation. I would have made a terrible soldier. I am curious by nature, falling down rabbit holes to learn something new, and knowing a "why" helps me remember to do things correctly.
"Why?" for me is not questioning authority. It helps me understand how everything works together. It is how my brain is wired.
This was my verse of the day. It has long been one of my favorites to understand prayers that seem unanswered or God allowing bad things. Our bad... the "hard" in our story... might be more significant than we think. Our trial might be the thing that had to happen for other things to unfold.
We are not the center of the universe. Adopted by the blood and the grace of Jesus, we are joint heirs with brothers and sisters who are equally loved.
Think of Joseph who was thrown in a well, sold into slavery by his brothers and jailed unfairly because he would not commit adultery with the boss's wife. Through the tough stuff he grew his faith. He remained faithful. Joseph forgave his brothers, was reunited with his family, and saved Egypt and his people.
I pulled "The Message" version for its common language:
"Don’t overlook the obvious here, friends. With God, one day is as good as a thousand years, a thousand years as a day. God isn’t late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn’t want anyone lost. He’s giving everyone space and time to change." -2 Peter 3:9
He does not want anyone to perish. He does not hurry. We are either moving toward him... or running away. We cannot tread water. Some will perish. He will not wait forever.
The Lord is not slow. He is patient.
Today, I am grateful for a good explanation.
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