Spring has Sprung

It has been amazing to watch how the leaves, bushes, flowers and other vegetative growth have literally sprung forth during the past week. I do not recall a previous year where the change in temperatures and growth has been so quick and noticeable. Now, according to our calendars, all this was supposed to begin this year sometime right around March 20, with that being the first day of astronomical Spring in the Northern Hemisphere. However, most of you probably recall the snow and temperatures in the 20s and 30s around the time we were all expecting a warm-up. It seems to me to be one more reminder of how we cannot manipulate or control the timing of much of anything, to include the weather and the seasons.

2 Peter 3:8-9
But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.


Some folks use occurrences similar to these to add to their argument that God is really not in complete control. In this particular case, some would say that surely if there was a God that was in control of all things, that the weather and seasons would begin when they are 'supposed' to according to the calendar. In reality, we should be reminded through situations like these that God truly is in control, even when His timing does not line up with ours. In fact, God is not subject to or limited to our knowledge of time at all, and just because there may seem to be a delay to us, does not mean that His promises will not come to pass in His timing. You can see with our spring season, when God decided it was time for the leaves, bushes, flowers and vegetation to spring forth, He made it happen and it happened with incredible speed.

Just as God has promised us that there is a season for everything, He has also promised us that He will return one day soon to judge all those that have stepped upon this earth. Many believe, however, that because He has not returned for His followers for a couple thousand years, that surely He is either not really in control, is dead, or just does not exist. As the scripture above reminds us, though, He is actually slow in carrying out this promise because He loves us so much that He desires to see all people come to repentance and choose a life of following and glorifying Him. Other scriptures remind us that no one will know or be able to predict the time of His return, and when He does come, it will be as unpredictable as a thief that comes in the night.

Are you faithfully living out your life for Him, patiently waiting for His return? Or have you given up on His promise because it does not line up with your timing or understanding? Be assured that He is in control, and although He is extremely patient with us, His promises will come pass. - GE