What is Taking So Long?

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. For the creation eagerly waits with anticipation for God’s sons to be revealed. (Romans 8:18-19)

I don’t know if you have difficulty with waiting, but I typically do. I know that patience is a fruit of the Spirit, but it is one that I constantly see lacking in my life. It often feels like “hurry up and wait,” and no matter how hard you try, you can’t control life’s circumstances or when things will happen. Believe it or not, you’re not the only one who gets tired of waiting. Others get tired of waiting on us to get our acts together, and this text says that even “creation” is waiting for the sons and daughters of God to be revealed. You see, the curse affected everything, not just us but creation as well. And creation knows that when Jesus returns, and all things are set right, the curse will be completely lifted and all things made new.

So, what is taking so long? Why doesn’t Jesus “hurry up” and return? Because of His great grace and patience. I thank God for His patience with us. Paul says here that what is keeping us from experiencing the final glory is God’s patience, as the last of those chosen in Him are revealed. I am not saying that by us going to the nations and winning the world to Jesus, we can speed up the return of Christ. However, I am saying that God has a plan, and that plan includes you. Those who are His children (or who will become His children) were chosen in Him before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4 and Revelation 13:8). We don’t know who all of those chosen are, but we do know that all are invited to come. God knows His sons and daughters, and God patiently waits for the last ones to be revealed. Even creation waits in anticipation for the children of God to be revealed. This is why Paul can say, “No matter how hard things are today, glory is coming, and that is enough for me.” If creation can be patient, maybe I can be too?