Embracing Patience, Hope, and Joy in God’s Timing

by Michell Eskeli

The season of Advent is one of patient reflection, of hopeful prayerful, and of joyous celebration. This year, members and friends of our congregation were asked to contribute a devotional or reflection on a passage of scripture. Throughout this month, we hope that you enjoy the holy commentary provided by our partners and congregants. God bless you and keep you during this special season!

II Peter 3:1-13, Revised Standard Version

This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you; in them I am trying to arouse your sincere intention by reminding you 2 that you should remember the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets, and the commandment of the Lord and Saviour spoken through your apostles. 3 First of all you must understand this, that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and indulging their own lusts 4 and saying, ‘Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since our ancestors died, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation!’ 5 They deliberately ignore this fact, that by the word of God heavens existed long ago and an earth was formed out of water and by means of water, 6 through which the world of that time was deluged with water and perished. 7 But by the same word the present heavens and earth have been reserved for fire, being kept until the day of judgement and destruction of the godless.

8 But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. 9 The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed.

11 Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness, 12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire? 13 But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home.

I was trying to NOT over-simplify this reading. In truth, though, it is simple and also something I need to hear. Something I struggle with. God is patient with us. When we are not worthy and not ready for his love, he waits. When we are quick to anger, or frustrated with ourselves or others, he forgives. He waits for us to see our mistakes and our missteps and self-correct. Patience is a virtue I was not blessed with in abundance. I have a great Patience with others (usually) but not with myself (or sometimes with God). I want to get everything on my list (and it is loooong) done and done well. The Christmas season is fleeting with so many lists and so much pressure. This year, I am going to try to focus on Advent. On Hope, on Peace (my personal favorite) on Joy and on Love. I am going to help and smile and love others. I am going to (try to) have Patience with myself and with God’s plan. I will enjoy my family and this Church that I love so much. I will continue to Pray for Peace for us all.