Faith and Patience

Faith and Patience

With faith and patience together we can obtain the greatest and most precious promises. In Hebrews 6:12 we are exhorted not to become sluggish, but to follow those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

We read that after Abraham had endured patiently, he obtained the promises. V. 15. The greatest promises in the old covenant were all fulfilled through faith and patience. They could wait in complete rest, knowing that He who had given them the promise was also mighty to give them what He had promised.

“For you have need of patience, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise . . . .” Heb. 10:36.

In Hebrews 12:1-3 we are exhorted to run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame. Yes, consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself so that you do not become weary and discouraged in your souls.

In Romans 5:3 we read that we can also glory in tribulations, because we know that tribulation produces patience, and patience a tried mind, and a tried mind, hope; and hope does not put us to shame because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Patience means that we wait. We can patiently wait in all sorts of trials and tribulations. We can patiently suffer to God’s glory, with an inner peace and joy, in faith’s full assurance and with the love of Christ poured out in our hearts. Impatience is followed by all manner of unrest.

Patience is greatly valued by God. Because the angel in Philadelphia had kept the word of patience, he would also be kept from the hour of trial which would come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Rev. 3:10.

“Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer . . . .” Rom. 12:12.

“Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus.”

Jesus’ bride has been fully tried and will have passed the test when Jesus comes. We need help from the God of patience and comfort during our time here on earth. Before we come to the place where we are like-minded toward one another, there are battles and sufferings, but also victory and joy. Through faith and patience we can pass on this comfort as a help to others.

Through faith and patience we can be led to perfect works in the trials, so we can be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. Jas. 1:4.

“But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.” Luke 8:15.

If we are to commend ourselves as servants of God in all kinds of trials, we must do so in much patience. 2 Cor. 6:4.

We can be strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering. Col. 1:11.

Paul could boast of the churches of God because of their patience and faith in all their persecutions and tribulations. 2 Thess. 1:4.

“Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.” 2 Thess. 3:5.

“Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” Jas. 5:7-8.