Quick fixes. From quick weight loss to 10-minute oil changes, our culture demands quick fixes. With a drive through lifestyle, many consider waiting for anything an inconvenience. Such impatience often bleeds into the attitude of people who are praying and believing God for a need in their life. In this microwave culture, people often regard God as uncaring or inattentive when their prayers seemingly go unanswered. Others, such as Job’s comforters charge that those who do not immediately possess God’s promises must have weak faith or even worse, sin in their life. However, the two virtues required for inheriting God’s promises are faith and patience (Hebrews 6:12).
The writer of Hebrews provided a definition of faith as “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). However, faith is not the quick fix of the Christian life. Certainly, the Bible contains stories of Jesus healing many people with his touch. However, often overlooked is the life of those people as they waited a lifetime for Jesus to come their way.
The balance of faith is patience. In fact, patience is a demonstration of faith as patience enables opportunity for God to demonstrate his power to those who couple faith with patience. For as faith and patience unite, people learn God’s life lessons and learn to trust God. As people unite faith and patience, God renews their strength so that their spirits soar like eagles and they are able to run the race of faith without growing weary (Isaiah 40:31). The coupling of faith with patience is the key to achieving God’s inheritance (Hebrews 6:12).
Have faith and patience.
Pastor Gary
New Life Church Kingwood is an Assembly of God church with contemporary worship, biblical teaching, children and youth ministries. We look forward to seeing you!