2 Peter 3:8-10
My parents raised me to be an active participant in the community and church and to spend my life contributing to the wellbeing of both. Prior to responding to God’s call to ministry, I served as a community organizer for over 20 years. As a young person I handed out leaflets for politicians and the ballot initiatives we supported. On Saturday mornings, my siblings and I partnered with adults from our church to visit prospects and share our faith. There was a lot of walking, a lot of looking into people’s eyes as I both talked and listened. Engaging with people in these ways formed me spiritually and developed my leadership.
What I have learned through experience is that change takes time. It takes time for our skills, insights, and commitments to develop and become effective. It takes time to discern which candidate or initiative will help shape the community for the better and then educate friends and neighbors on what we discover. And it takes time for those who commit to following Jesus to turn from ways that are unpleasing to Christ or harmful to Christ followers.
Peter reminds us that from God’s perspective one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day (v. 8). Perhaps because of God’s unique view of time, God hangs in there with us personally and as communities of faith no matter how long an initiative or journey takes. God, Peter assures, is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance (v. 9). Praise be to God.
Consider
What is God waiting on me to do differently? What needs in my community can I begin to learn more about today?
Pray
Holy Spirit, help equip and empower me to make the changes you desire in my life and leadership. Amen.