(by pastor Jean)
“Faith and patience inherit the promise” (Heb 6:12; NKJV). The Greek word for patience in this verse is makrothumia and it means: forbearance, fortitude, patient endurance and longsuffering. It is a fruit of the Spirit. You may have heard it said that faith and patience are the power twins. James tells us to, “Count it all joy when you fall into diverse temptations, knowing that the trying of your faith develops patience” (James 1:2-4; MEV). People often forget the importance of patience when they pray the “prayer of faith” (James 5:15). If your prayer does not get answered right away this is where patience comes in because we have to stay in faith and patience if we are to receive the answer. Notice that the writer of Hebrews goes on to say, “So after Abraham had patiently endured, he received the promise” (Heb 6:15; MEV). That was the promise of producing an heir and scholars tell us it took about 25 years of faith and patience! When we have prayed the prayer of faith what should we do while we wait? We need to thank and praise God in advance that the prayer is answered, for example Paul and Silas in prison (Acts 16:25-26). We also need to keep speaking the word of God over our situation and we must make sure we don’t allow words of doubt and fear come out of our mouths. We also need to keep developing our faith because, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom 10:17; MEV). Next time you are believing for something and are tempted to give up, remember to put patience into action and keep on believing!