Late
My father disliked waiting for people. He would invite a friend to go hunting or fishing with him and say, “We will leave at 7 AM.” Then, after waiting and waiting for them to arrive, he would get mad. Some were so late, so often, he quit inviting them to go with him. Perhaps I inherited that attitude from him. The real issue is this: I don’t treat others that way.
Sure, life happens, and things can always come up, but when you know you must be somewhere at an agreed-upon time, then get ready for that event ahead of time. Take care of the things of life that might prevent you from being on time. Can you tell I am waiting on someone right now? They first said they would be over last night to receive some items April and I want to bless them with. Then, at the arrival time, they texted and said it would be today at a certain hour. It is now an hour later, and yes, I am getting disgruntled!
I am so glad God is never late! Now, He may not answer when we want him to, but when we are in need, He is never late. Many years ago, I stepped out in faith and took a youth pastor’s position in a small church that prewarned me they could not pay me a salary. So, I was truly walking by faith. It wasn’t easy.
To make ends meet, I once ate a cheese sandwich every meal. A family that was paying my rent didn’t send the money before the first of the month. I wrote a hot check because the landlord was scary and didn’t understand. It bounced! I got mad at God and accused him of being late. He quickly responded rather forcefully, “I AM NEVER LATE! I spoke to them, but they have not responded!” A few days later, I received their check with an apology note saying they thought the other spouse had dropped it in the mail.
When God spoke that day, He went on to tell me, “Mark, I could make the money you need appear in your living room, but I delight in working with people.” I apologized to God and asked for forgiveness. I certainly learned a valuable principle that day, as well as more about God and how He answers our prayers.
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 Pt. 3:8-9 (MSG)
Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Pt. 5:7 (ESV)
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! Ps. 27:14 (ESV)
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Phpns. 4:19 (ESV)
NOTE: They finally showed up one and a half hours late. They felt bad and apologized, and I forgave them in my heart, and we moved on.
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