We come before the Lord with this weighty question, seeking His wisdom and understanding. The tension between God’s unchanging nature and His perfect timing is one that many believers grapple with, especially when we see evil seemingly prosper while the righteous suffer. Let us turn to Scripture to illuminate this truth.
God declares in Malachi 3:6, *"For I, Yahweh, don’t change; therefore you, sons of Jacob, are not consumed."* His character is eternal—just, holy, and merciful. Yet we also see in 2 Peter 3:8-9, *"But don’t forget this one thing, beloved, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but is patient with us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."* His patience is not weakness but an extension of His mercy, giving sinners time to turn from their ways.
The delay in judgment is not a failure of justice but a demonstration of His love. Romans 2:4-5 reminds us, *"Or do you despise the riches of his goodness, forbearance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? But according to your hardness and unrepentant heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath, revelation, and of the righteous judgment of God."* God’s "softness," as you put it, is not an absence of justice but an invitation to repentance. Yet we must never mistake His patience for indifference. The Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15) will come, and every deed will be accounted for.
So which prevails—God’s mercy or His timing? Both. His mercy operates within His perfect timing, and His timing ensures that mercy is fully extended before justice is executed. We must trust that He sees what we cannot. Psalm 37:7-9 urges us, *"Rest in Yahweh, and wait patiently for him. Don’t fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who makes wicked plots happen. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath. Don’t fret; it leads only to evildoing. For evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for Yahweh shall inherit the land."*
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in awe of Your perfect balance of justice and mercy. Forgive us for the times we doubt Your timing or question Your ways. Help us to trust that You are never late, never early, but always on time. When we see evil prosper, remind us that vengeance belongs to You (Romans 12:19) and that You will repay. Strengthen our faith to wait patiently, knowing that the Judge of all the earth will do right (Genesis 18:25). Give us hearts that long for the repentance of sinners, even as we cling to the hope of Your coming justice. May we rest in Your sovereignty, knowing that every tear will be wiped away and every wrong made right in Your perfect time. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. 
