short or long

No doubt you share with me the heartache of family and friends who have not yet given themselves to the care and control of our Gracious Lord, Jesus Christ.  In the case of my two brothers, it's been 50+ years that I've witnessed to them in word and action, albeit imperfectly.  I find myself sometimes saying, "How long, O Lord?"

I take comfort in the words of St. Paul to King Herod Agrippa II, who was the last in the line of the Herodian dynasty that ruled over Judea and Samaria by colluding with the Roman superpower.  Agrippa was corrupt both politically and personally, escorted by his queen, Bernice, who was also his sister.  His chief task was the administration of the temple and its high priest, and hence his interest in this Jewish leader who believed in a Messiah risen from the dead.

Paul, in the course of being examined by Agrippa, zeroed in on him with the reasonable truth about the Gospel.  Perhaps under some internal conviction, Agrippa said, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?", to which Paul replied, "Short time or long, I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am" (Acts 26:28-29).

In the writings of the early church, the word used most frequently was "patient", referring to the patient Love and Plan of God.  As I consider His Sovereignty in my bending the knee early in my now long life, and my brothers' delay, I'm encouraged that Paul notes that, though it be short or long, God patiently desires that our loved ones, in fact, every one, would repent and become as we are in Him.  May we never give up praying, living our lives in Christ transparently and honestly, and making our appeal in the short- and long-term relationships God has given to us.