The more our society collapses and evil grows ever more prevalent, the more I hear people pray the above.

Yet when their prayer continues to go unanswered (or at least a, “Not yet.”), they ask, “Why not? How much more does evil need to grow, to fester, and destroy? How many more people need to suffer and die under it? When will you, God, say ‘enough is enough’?”

For me, it’s a prayer I refuse to utter. Would I like him to? Sure! Yet, for me, saying that prayer would come from a place of fear, laziness, and selfishness. It would mean I no longer have to struggle, face uncertainty, and prepare for hard times that may or may not come to fruition during my lifetime.

There is another reason that has nothing and everything to do with me. Jesus is waiting in order to give people more opportunities to find him. I didn’t find Jesus myself until I was sixteen. If he had decided to come earlier, I would have been denied that opportunity. Who am I to say those who are still lost should remain lost, because I myself am tired of fighting and still seeing evil’s reign grow?

So, yes, I want Jesus to tarry a few more days. I want others to have more time and opportunity to find him—just like I did—and as such avoid the tribulations, the horrors, and the judgement that is to come.

“But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:8-9 (ESV)