God has given us so many wonderful promises in scripture! Maybe you've read some of them, but you aren't experiencing them yet. I want to encourage you today because receiving the promises of God takes two things: faith and patience.
Scripture says we've all been given a measure of faith. We've also been given the tools to develop that faith. Romans 10:17 tells us that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. When you read, study and meditate on God's Word, you are feeding and nurturing your faith. Developing faith takes an outward action on our part, but developing patience is an inward action. Patience means that when things aren't happening the way we want them to, we don't take matters into our own hands. Exercising patience means choosing to trust God even when the circumstances haven't changed yet. Patience is having endurance, constancy, steadfastness and perseverance.
Faith and patience go hand in hand. When we have faith, it's easier to be patient because we know God is faithful to His promises. Patience is a fruit of the spirit which means that the more we yield ourselves to God, the more patience will rise in our hearts.
Sometimes when things don't happen on our timetable, it can be tempting to get discouraged. But in the season of waiting, that's when you have to dig your heels in and refuse to give up! You have to know that God is doing something in you at the same time that He is doing something for you.
Let me remind you today, God has you in the palm of His hand. You may be facing a difficulty right now, but beyond that difficulty is a new level of God's favor. That challenge is not there to stop you; it's there to develop you. Let patience have its perfect work. Trust that God is faithful to His promises. Speak faith over your circumstances. Declare His goodness and faithfulness. Know that He is fighting your battles and working behind the scenes. Don't give up because with faith and patience, it's just a matter of time before you see His promises come to pass!
"…imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised." (Hebrews 6:12, NIV)