Thought for Today

this verse came up in our study on monday and i have not been able to stop thinking about it:

2 Peter 3:9 - 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.

how wonderful is the Lord! He could just wipe us out for our wickedness, but rather He waits patiently for us to finally accept His free gift of Salvation. he doesn't want anyone to perish, even the most wicked. what a gracious God He is! i just have this mental image of people who have to test out God and search out all these other religions before they finally come back to the truth... and i picture God just patiently waiting. He doesn't say 'see, I told you so' or 'well, it's about time'. no, He receives us as sons and daughters because of the Lord Jesus Christ!