OUR HEAVENLY FATHER longs for us to love and worship Him. He longs for us to return "home," whatever our problems... whatever our needs. Isaiah 30:18 says,

"THEREFORE THE LORD LONGS TO BE GRACIOUS TO YOU, AND THEREFORE HE WAITS ON HIGH TO HAVE COMPASSION ON YOU... FOR THE LORD IS A GOD OF JUSTICE... HOW BLESSED ARE ALL THOSE WHO LONG FOR HIM."

"DO YOU THINK LIGHTLY OF THE RICHES OF HIS KINDNESS... AND FORBEARANCE... AND PATIENCE... NOT KNOWING THAT THE KINDNESS OF GOD LEADS YOU TO REPENTANCE?" (Romans 2:4).

DID YOU KNOW THAT GOD'S KINDNESS brings you to repentance? He is a waiting Father! God does not condone any of our rebellion... selfishness... or sin. It grieves Him deeply to see us hurting ourselves and others. Yet he constantly WAITS for us to respond to His love... and receive His forgiveness. And when we do, He welcomes us freely... and completely.

AS WE THINK OF GOD AS A WAITING FATHER... we must be careful not to think that His loving, forgiving attitude makes Him weak... or a "push-over." He is powerful and mighty above all others. There is great strength in His love. His ruthless hatred of evil tolerates no double-mindedness... but His compassion is endless toward those who see their need of Him. He sees our hearts. He knows our innermost thoughts. He offers great security to all those who sincerely want to be in His family.