Our Patient God

“Immediately the word concerning Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled; and he was driven away from mankind and began eating grass like cattle, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair had grown like eagles’ feathers and his nails like birds’ claws.

Daniel 4:33

**God gives people time to repent.

God’s future judgment on Nebuchadnezzar is prophesied at the beginning of Chapter 4 in Daniel’s prophesy. He would be live as an animal for a season because of his pride and arrogance. You can read the entire chapter for further details. God reveals His planned discipline of the potentate well in advance.

Yet, God was still gracious to the King. While the judgement was announced early on, it would not take hold until a year after it was given. Verse 29 reveals this fact. God was gracious to Nebuchadnezzar and allowed him time to repent. The King refused and God’s judgment fell as promised.

This episode reveals an important principle of how God works in our lives. He gives people time and space to repent. The Lord warns us of our need to correct and then gives us time to hear the message and turn from our sins. Peter tells us 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. (2 Peter 3:9) God is longsuffering toward us that we would believe.

To be sure, judgement will be administered on the prideful, the arrogant, and obstinate. Those who refuse to believe shall never have everlasting life (John 3:17). But God is so loving, so kind, and so gracious. He desires that all would hear the message and receive His Son as their Savior and Lord.

God is not arbitrary or capricious. He is patient and kind.  Trust Him as your Savior today! He is giving you time to believe so don’t waste this opportunity. Turn from your sin, ask Christ to forgive you, and trust Jesus for your salvation. 

Tony French