“…When once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah” (1 Peter 3:20)
We have so much to learn from the God of patience. He is not unlike us in that He has desires which He longs to see fulfilled. The difference between us is that He is so much more patient and long-suffering. At times, it appears that He is way too patient. The cry of the saints as they beheld wrong and injustice was: “How long, O Lord!” But we fail to realize that if God was not as patient as He is we ourselves would already be the objects of His wrath.
We can though try God’s patience. His patience does have its limits. He says: “My spirit shall not always strive with man …” (Gen. 6:3) Despite being greatly grieved by man’s violence in the days of Noah, He waited. But then judgment came with a surprising suddenness. Let us then not take for granted the Lord’s patience toward us. Rather, let us learn from it. Be patient toward those who are slow to change around you. Be patient in circumstances that drag on with no relief in sight. Resist the temptation to set things right by your own power.
God will one day arise to judgment. But be grateful for the day of His patience. When He sits; sit with Him. When He is willing to wait; wait with Him.