“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
Hebrews 6:10-12
Throughout the scriptures we find stories of men and women having to stand in faith for years against almost impossible circumstances in order to see the promise of God come to pass in their lives. From Abraham, to Joseph, to Joshua, Caleb and David ( to mention just a few); it often took years or even decades before they saw the manifestation of the promises of God in their lives. Sometimes the promise fulfilled was almost immediate, as in the case of Jehosophat when he faced a multitude of the enemy going to war against him. He cried out to God and within 24 hours God had delivered the entire nation out of the hand of the enemy and even gave them great riches on the other side of the challenge. (See 2 Chronicles 20). At other times it was a few decades, as in the case of Abraham and Sarah. Regardless, each situation requires both faith and patience to see the desired result. Whether you must stand in faith for two minutes, two hours, two years or two decades, faith and patience will always be required to see the victorious result.
To stand in faith we must know what faith is. Hebrews 11:1 provides the definition: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Another way to say it is that faith is the title deed to our answered prayer. It is the proof. If you purchased a car in full, then you will receive a title to the car showing that you now own it. That title is proof that the car is your property. Faith is not only as good as that title it’s better! When you are fully convinced that what God said will come to pass, that very faith is proof that it will. Your faith is your proof. Romans 4:17-21 is an example of the perfect definition of faith. Here it details how Abraham “staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able also to perform.” Romans 4:20-21 Therefore, even though Abraham and Sarah were both well past the age of child bearing being almost 90 and 100 years old, they still did not doubt God’s ability to bring it to pass. When they finally had become fully convinced that God would do it just as He said He would, it came to pass. God named Abram “Abraham”, which means father of multitudes when he was old and childless. Yet that name birthed faith in Abraham’s heart, and every time he heard his name, it continued to build his faith. Faith basically calls those things which be not, as though they were. (see Romans 4:17).
However, to remain in faith we must apply patience. Patience isn’t just waiting. It’s how you wait that makes the difference. Luke 21:19 declares: “In your patience possess ye your souls.” Therefore, when something is taking longer than expected, the key is to continue to be patient. Don’t let thoughts run wild and go counter to what God has already told you. Instead, continue to confess the word of God over the situation and remain convinced that it is coming to pass. If you are convinced that you have it, then you would rejoice and be glad. Therefore, part of patience is waiting with joyfulness. Enjoy your life and resting in God’s promises. This brings real joy.
If there are things taking longer than expected, then stir up your joy and walk in faith, patiently resting in God’s promises. Basically, strap in and enjoy the ride! Don’t worry, just choose to think faith filled thoughts and keep your eyes on His promises! Then the wait won’t seem as long, it will go by faster than you imagined!
Further Reading: Mark 11, Hebrews 11, Romans 4, Philippians 4, 2 Chronicles 20
