“The LORD is not slack (slow – NIV) concerning His promise, as some count slackness, (slowness – NIV) but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
Promise, Patience, but Not Permission
On Sunday, July 14, 2013, the message title was, “Fight for Freedom.” I know this because I have part of the passage inscribed on an old worn out paper, taped to my bathroom mirror. The teacher that day encouraged us listeners to insert our name in the verses found in Exodus 6:6-8. We were encouraged to insert our names any time it read “children of Israel,” or “you/your” and to insert an area we needed deliverance from any time the passage read “the burdens of ‘Egyptians’ _________________.”
I filled out the verses with much enthusiasm, excited that I believed these promises, and at the prospect of what was ahead in my life. Fast forward 6+ years later. I wish I could share with you that I checked that box and added a date of promise fulfillment on that paper. But I believe He will use my journey for His glory, my good, and hopefully the good of others.
God has not failed me, but He requires more than us just believing the promises. His patience is NOT His permission—sound familiar?
Re-reading through these verses is sobering as I ponder how many countless times I have had opportunity to allow God to win my personal fight for freedom.
During our current study on Ruth and obedience, He has greatly used what I am learning to teach me to trust Him and believe in a new hope. His promise has not changed. Am I ready and willing to obey and trust?
Do you have an area that you need rescuing in, healing from, or a burden lifted in your life? In the passage below, I encourage you to fill in the blanks with your name or your burden, and put it somewhere you will see it often. See what He will do as long as you are a willing and obedient participant:
“Therefore say to ________: ‘I am the LORD; I will bring _________ out from under the burdens of ________, I will rescue ________ from their bondage, and I will redeem ________ with an outstretched arm and with great judgments. I will take ________ as My people, and I will be ________’s God. Then ________ shall know that I am the LORD ________’s God who brings ________ out from under the burdens of ________. And I will bring _________ into the land which I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and I will give it to _________ as a heritage: I am the LORD.’”
“Heavenly Father, I know the many promises You have given me, in particular this one on my heart in this writing. Thank You that You have perfect timing and that nothing is too difficult for You. Thank You that Your faithfulness and love are constant and unconditional. Please let this be the time I see Your promise fulfilled. I trust You. Amen.”