The well-known English saying was probably derived from a poem written by English author Violet Fane in 1892. In meaning it is similar to the German idiom, "Was lange währt, wird endlich gut".

Those sayings are not direct quotes from the Bible, but we do find their meaning in the scriptures.

The author of the book of Hebrews writes to first century Jewish Christians. Some of them had been believers in Christ for 30 years or more. The zeal of the first months and years of their walk with God in expectation of the return of Christ had waned, to the point that some of them were even neglecting fellowship with their brothers and sisters in Christ (Hebrews 10:25).

But each passing day of supposed disappointment really meant that Christ's promised return was one day closer to fulfillment ("as you see the day approaching", ibid.)

Christians are sprinters, but rather long distance runners. And there are two possible finish lines in our race to the kingdom of God: the return of Christ (for those who are alive at that time) or death (for those who aren't). We don't know what the finish line will be for us, but we do know that there will be a finish line – sooner or later.

King Solomon tells us that "hope deferred makes the heart sick" (Proverbs 13:12). Hope deferred, but how? Because Jesus isn't coming back after all? No, He will return, but according to God's timetable, not our own.

And so the author of Hebrews exhorts us: "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry" (Hebrews 10:36-37; KJV).

Those who endure to the end will be able to confirm the truthfulness of the saying, "Good things come to those who wait".

With these thoughts I wish everyone a rewarding Sabbath!