Throughout the Bible, God’s patience with His people is evident. Despite repeated disobedience, rebellion, and faithlessness, God continues to extend His grace and mercy. His patience is portrayed as a testament to His love for humanity and His desire for reconciliation rather than judgment. However, God’s patience should not be misunderstood as indifference towards sin. There are consequences for disobedience, as seen in various narratives throughout the Bible. Yet, even in moments of judgment, there is often a pathway for repentance and restoration, highlighting God’s enduring patience and desire for a relationship with His people. Fr. Ron Rolheiser writes about the Italian spiritual writer Carlo Carretto, who, after spending more than 20 years in solitude as a monk in the Sahara desert, was asked what single thing he felt that he heard God most say to him inside of the long, deep silence. What, he was asked, do you hear God saying to the world? His answer: God is asking us to wait, to be patient! Why the need for such great patience? Does God want to test us? Does God want to see if we indeed have a faith that is worthy of a great reward? No. God has no need to play such a game, and neither do we. It’s not that God wants to test our patience. The need for patience arises out of the rhythms innate within life itself and within love itself. They need to unfold, as do flowers and pregnancies, according to their own innate rhythms and within their own good time. They cannot be rushed, no matter how great our impatience or how great our discomfort. And neither can God be rushed because it is God’s timetable that protects us from perpetually stunting life and love by drawing them through the birth canal prematurely. Ultimately, the story of God’s covenants and His patience with His people is one of redemption and hope. It underscores the belief that God is faithful to His promises and steadfast in His love, inviting humanity into a deeper relationship with Him through faith and obedience.