The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment. (2 Peter 2:9)
I remember it well. Our church had graciously offered me a six-week sabbatical after nine rewarding years of ministry. My family and I were happily driving across the panhandle of Florida when a sharp object in the road slashed both left tires. It happened late on a Friday evening, yet we found a truck stop and a mechanic named Slick who came to our rescue. By morning, we had two new treads and were back on the road. Slick rescued us.
Have you ever been rescued? Perhaps you have been in a situation where you felt threatened by the elements, or by other people. You may have faced a moment like the one Lot experienced (v. 7). He was trying to live rightly but was tormented by the lawless; he saw and heard evil all around him. Some might respond to our godless, self-reliant age by saying, “Come, Lord Jesus, come!” Others might wish God would right all wrongs by sending catastrophe on those who refuse to follow him.
Fear not. God will rescue the righteous. It may not feel that way today, but he always has and always will rescue his people. Most of us would love to give him advice on how and when he should carry out his justice. Yet Peter’s words remind us of this simple truth: God knows how to rescue us. And he knows when.
Trust God to right the wrongs in the world and in your life.
Jim Dunn is the president of Oklahoma Wesleyan University. He previously served as the executive director of the Church Multiplication and Discipleship Division for The Wesleyan Church.
© 2023 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
