July 9, 2009 Faith And Patience
Today’s Bible Reading: Micah 1, 2, 3, 4; Hebrews 6
Scripture Focus:
Hebrews 6:11–12 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Observation:
The context of these two verses is salvation. Earlier in the chapter is the sobering indictment against those who become Christians and fall away. Verses 11–12 encourage us to be diligent until the end of our lives or until Jesus returns, whichever happens first.
There’s another principle, however, that shouldn’t be missed. Just as we receive our salvation through faith and wait in patience to inherit the promises, so we are to live out our salvation in faith and patience.
Application:
I heard Patrice Tsague apply this principle to our kingdom businesses during a session at his Biblical Entrepreneur seminar. Our business success is directly tied to our belief (our faith) in the business idea God has given us, and the patience to see it through, even when we see what appear to be insurmountable difficulties. Faith and patience go hand in hand. Faith means we haven’t seen it yet, but we know it’s coming. Patience keeps us going until faith becomes reality.
Prayer:
Father God, you’ve given me an assignment. Give me the faith and patience to move ahead until faith becomes reality.
