The Patience of God

Hosea 6:4

4 O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah,
what shall I do unto thee? for your goodness is as a
morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away.

God's words to Ephraim (Israel) - "What shall I do to you?" - weren't those of an angry God asking Israel what punishment He should mete out but of a heavenly Father who asked what He needed to do to bring His wayward child back into fellowship with Himself. By this time in Israel's history, God had shown His people incredible mercy and blessings. He had sent His prophets to correct them and had even disciplined them. So far, nothing had worked; the people were still in sin and rebellion.

Yet God, in His amazing, self-sacrificial love, hadn't given up on His people. This is a picture of an incredibly patient God, of whom the apostle Peter wrote, "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).

Has God ever laid on your heart His desire for you to pray for and witness to someone you know needs Jesus, yet months or even years go by, and you don't see any change? If so, don't lose heart. Instead, focus on the patience and promises of God for that person's salvation. Keep praying, keep witnessing and keep living out the life of Christ in front of that person. And as you do, take this attitude to heart: God hasn't given up on this person, and neither will I.

God Bless You steemians.

Reference: 365 Essential Questions from the Bible
www.barbourbooks.com

The Grim Reaper Preacher says, "Try reading the Bible from cover to cover - you'll like it."