The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient
toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach
repentance. -2 Peter 3:9 ESV
I woke up thinking about when others hurt us or don’t understand why others
hurt us and why it seems like nothing happens to those who have wronged us.
God tells us to pray for those who persecute and wrongfully accuse us but does
this mean these “wrongdoers” are genuinely happy and fulfilled without regret?
Does this mean that we aren’t fulfilled if we haven’t seen our hoped-for
punishment or apology or reconciliation from those who caused our hurt?
Controlling others' responses is not something we have the power to do,
however, we can pray, and read God's word which shows what happens to the
enemies of God or to unrepentant people, which may satisfy our urge to retaliate
or quench some expectations of a consequence from God upon them. After
reading God’s word I found that God does not let others off the hook. People are
His creation and He knows the outcome and motives of our hearts. He wishes that
none should perish, He is patient and a righteous judge who gives others time to
repent.
We can wonder what happens to others but don’t let that take over trusting God
with them and with us. One day we will all kneel before our holy God so let’s
allow Him to work His peace in us here on earth and trust that He can handle our
enemies and He will direct us in how to face them.
Heavenly Father, You are holy and You see our frailty as we struggle with doing
good while at the same time, we want vindication. Help us with our perspective,
help us see through Your eyes, and bring us comfort because we trust in You
completely.
This devotion by author, Terrie Miles, is exclusively and solely shared with permission to New Beginnings Church.
Any unauthorized printed reproduction, sharing or use of this material is prohibited.
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