Don’t Mess with God

God is patient, but it’s a mistake to think that He is a pushover. He is not fooled by the appearance of things. More powerful than night-seeing goggles, His eyesight allows Him to see clearly into the dark recesses of our hearts, and He sees the motivations behind our actions. In addition to being fully aware of every individual, He evaluates entire nations. 

Often, we think that God should step in and judge a nation sooner than He does. We think, “If I were God, I’d let them know who’s boss.” (Good thing we aren’t God.) I don’t know why He allows some of the atrocities to continue, but when He decides to judge, watch out! 

Is God sitting in Heaven, hoping to find an excuse to send His lightning bolts to decimate a nation and wreak havoc on its people? Not at all. To the contrary, He has said, “‘Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked?’ declares the Sovereign Lord. ‘Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone’, declares the Sovereign Lord. ‘Repent and live!’” (Ezekiel 18:23, 32)

The apostle Peter told us why God seems to be slow in His judgment. “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9). 

Is God judging India right now? I don’t know, but I do know that our partners are using whatever time they have to rescue orphans, widows, and other forgotten ones. They continue to share the Gospel, that God has already judged sin on the Cross. Now, anyone can approach Him through faith in Christ. Their country, with all their idols, might be facing God’s judgment, but children and adults who place their faith in Jesus will never taste God’s wrath. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.” (John 5:24) 

If you haven’t yet submitted your life to Christ, and experienced God’s mercy and love, I hope you will soon.

Marlon Furtado