This question, along with, “How long is God going to allow this ungodly person to prosper?” is commonly asked. It seems the underlying assumption here is that perhaps God has overlooked something in His supposed lack of action on our behalf. Yet I assure you nothing could be further from the truth.
You see, because of God’s character traits, which include holiness and justice, all sin must be judged—and will be! Of course, the Lord made provision for all who place their faith in Jesus’ death on the Cross for the payment of their sins. Yet I do understand the question that is being asked here: “How much longer will this person who has wronged me continue to seemingly prosper, while being a constant thorn in my side?”
The answer is one that we really don’t like to hear—God’s timing is not our timing. Listen to what God says:
“Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace. The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming” (Ps. 37:1-13).
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matt. 5:11-12).
“Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:35-36).
Did you catch that? “He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.” Why? Because He is merciful. Perhaps we should remember that at one time we were in the camp of the wicked, and that the Lord extended His mercy to us. When it comes to God’s timing we should also remember that His timing is perfect.
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
Remember—“He [was] patient with you.” Perhaps a better question to ask is this: “Why don’t you ‘bless those who curse you, [and] pray for those who mistreat you’?” (Luke 6:28).