Soon

When is soon? Tomorrow? Next week? Next month? Next year? It’s a relative term without a specific meaning, isn’t it? Some things can’t come soon enough for us. But what about for the Lord? What does “soon” mean to Him? He used the word many times in the Scriptures. But He views times from a different perspective than we do.

In the opening verse of Revelation, we read: “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place…” (Revelation 1:1, ESV). Wait a minute. Wasn’t that written a couple of thousand years ago? “I am coming soon,” Jesus said in Revelation 3:11, 22:7, 12, and 20. He hasn’t come back yet, but we keep believing by faith that He will. He promised, and He keeps His promises.

He also promised to answer our prayers that are offered up in faith. But sometimes we get confused when we don’t see the answers we want when we want them. Here’s a poem I wrote a few years ago about that dilemma.

I asked God for something special.
I asked Him to send it soon.
It certainly wasn’t too difficult,
Since He could make sun and moon.
But then I asked Him about the time.
What was “soon” to Him?
He answered, “Anytime, my child.
All time is right on the brim
Of my cup which is full of all todays.
They blend into one for me.
Don’t chafe for a sip that is premature.
Let time add flavor. You’ll see . . .
That when I give you the soon you request,
It will taste just right to you.
I’m preparing each moment in My own way.
Any time of Mine will do.”

How is your patience factor today? Is God’s definition of “soon” Okay with you?