TOPIC : PATIENCE PERFECTS YOUR FAITH
REV. EKOW ESHUN
SCRIPTURE : JAMES 1:2-3 (NKJV)
”My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”
It is said of Abraham in Hebrews 6, verse 15 that, ”after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.” (NKJV)
This occasion was after Abraham had been promised multiplied blessings by the Lord regarding his future. Abraham’s example of patience and endurance is important for us all to learn from. Often, it is the big difference between receiving answers to our prayers, the manifestation of our confessions, fulfillment of prophecies and disappointments in the lives of believers.
Abraham was undoubtedly a man of faith. However, he also needed to exercise patience and endurance in his walk of faith. This is largely because time, contrary circumstances and apparent delay tested his faith. Praise be to God that inspite of the seemingly delays, Abraham obtained the promises God gave him. His experience should be enough inspiration for us to walk with the Lord more closely and believe His Word with steadfastness.
The essential lesson is that not only do we see Abraham adding patience and enduranceto his life of faith, but we are also told in Hebrews 6, verse 12 that, ”you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” (NKJV)
Clearly, you see that the heroes of faith who walked with God, all had to learn this lesson of faith, patience and endurance in order to see God’s promises fulfilled in their lives. Wisdom dictates that you and I follow the same example of these heroes and fully enjoy God’s provision for us.
Is it possible that there are some who have become jittery and weak in their faith and are struggling to hold on to God’s Word to them? Is it the case that you may be struggling to produce the fruit of patience and endurance and this is robbing you of certain glorious blessings and prophecies from the Lord? Indeed, the qualities of patience and endurance are very necessary as you go from week to week, month to month and year to year in your walk of faith.
This year is more than 4 months old already. You can’t afford to give up now just because some of your hopes, dreams and prophecies have not manifested as expected. You must keep confessing God’s Word, stay patient and continue to stand strong in the midst of any trial as you go through this month. Faithful is He who promised. You must determine to cooperate with Him.
PRAYERI bless you, Father, for your faithfulness towards me. Your goodness in my life has been constant and fulfilling, especially this year. There has never failed one of your promises. My prayer is that you strengthen me by your Spirit in the inner man so I can keep my focus and maintain endurance in every trial. I am confident that patiently, I will pass the test of time and receive your promises to me in Jesus’s name, Amen.
FURTHER READING (NKJV)
HEBREWS 11:23-28
[23]By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command.
[24]By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter,
[25]choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin,
[26]esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.
[27]By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible.
[28]By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them.