“The Lord isn’t really being slow about His promise, as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.”
‒ 2 Peter 3:9
In my youth, I used to long for the end times when Jesus would return, scoop me up, and make everything right. Recently, my son has started to long for it, too. Now I’m older, and hopefully wiser, and can see that I was wishing away all this necessary time. Not for me to follow some life plan or achieve some lofty goal, but time for everyone to repent.
Everyone.
God’s goal is that none should die without knowing Him. In His crazy way, He allows us to be a part of His soul-saving mission. It’s not an option or a casual choice or a remote possibility; it’s a commission.
When I was 17 years old, I was praying one night for my father, a nonbeliever. I was begging God to save him, to reach him somehow, some way, through me if needed. “Why doesn’t he believe yet, Father?” I cried out in desperation. “Can’t you see how much I love him?”
Through His Holy Spirit, He said to me that night, “I love him so much more.” Then God allowed me to feel just a fraction of His love for nonbelievers. I doubled over in pain and wept aloud as His love and care for those still under His condemnation coursed through my body. I could sense He was holding back, not wanting to overwhelm me but giving me a glimpse of His heart. I cried harder and deeper than I ever have in my life. “That’s how much I love him,” God said.
That’s how much He wants us to love and care for those who do not have a relationship with Jesus. That’s how much He wants to see us respond to His love and gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. That’s how much He longs for us share the Gospel.
And that is why I am at Stonecroft now: to help “seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10, NIV). I am called here for a true, lasting purpose of eternal weight. I am full to the brim with hope and expectation for more conversions of nonbelieving souls to children of God. I am trusting Him for immeasurably more.
My father died almost eight years ago, and I do not know if he accepted God’s gift of salvation before he died. But I know this: God loved him and died for him so they could be together in eternity.
I will do all I can to help equip you and any leaders God raises up to continue His commission through Stonecroft.
Cara Day
Director of Marketing and Communications
Editor’s Note: Cara Day joined the Stonecroft family at the Home Office on Sept. 1. Both she and staff had been praying for many months before God called her to this position.