"When is the end of end time?" "How long does a harvest take anyway?" Have you ever felt these questions nagging in your mind, or perhaps today, had some unbeliever openly try to pin you down with such challenges?

The enemy would like to see you frustrated, trying vainly to pin down a "so many years after such and such," or a "within X generations after this or that" answer to the question of the timing of the Lord's soon coming.

First relax, and realize that you aren't supposed to have pat answers... "And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power" (Acts 1:7). It is clear that God is in control and that we need not feel obligated to have specific answers, but merely trust that He does.

But, if like most folks, you wish you could better understand why it sometimes feels like the Lord is tarrying, these words of encouragement which the Apostle Peter wrote to answer those with similar queries may help: "The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent" (2 Peter 3:9, NLT).

Praise the Lord that He has tarried long enough for us to repent and come to Him! Only He knows which day is enough, and only He needs to know. We need only to be ready for His return, and thankful the He has it under control.

Heavenly Father, I realize tonight how merciful You were for delaying Your second coming long enough to include me among Your chosen ones. Thank you for Your divine wisdom, which I acknowledge, but of which I need no specific knowledge. I will keep trusting You Lord, and utilize for Your glory whatever time You have allotted me to witness for You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.