Faith and Patience: Keys to Inheriting God’s Promises

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As we step into a new year, we might find ourselves reflecting on the past and anticipating the future with a mix of emotions. On one hand, we are deeply grateful for God’s protection and provision throughout 2024. On the other, we may wonder what 2025 holds for us—will it be a year of breakthroughs or challenges?

For some, 2024 was filled with joy, victories, and blessings. For others, it may have been marked by loss, struggles, and unanswered prayers. Regardless of how this past year unfolded, as believers, we are called to face the future with unwavering faith and patience.

Hebrews 6:11-12 reminds us:
"We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised."

This passage challenges us not to lose hope. The realization of God’s promises requires diligence, faith and patience. Often, our hopes—for a loved one’s salvation, a breakthrough in our career, or the fulfilment of a long-awaited promise—can seem delayed. But Scripture assures us that God operates beyond our concept of time.

The apostle Peter writes in 2 Peter 3:8: “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day."

God’s timing is perfect, and His promises are sure. Biblical hope differs from worldly hope; it is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation rooted in faith. As Hebrews 11:1 declares, "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Faith strengthens our hope, and patience sustains it through seasons of waiting.

The journey of faith requires persistence. It’s easy to start with enthusiasm and excitement but challenging to maintain that diligence over time. Yet, the author of Hebrews encourages us to press on with the same fervour until the promises are fulfilled.

Abraham is a powerful example of this. He waited decades for God’s promise to come to pass. Romans 4:20-21 says, "He did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised."

Patience is not a passive waiting but an active trust in God’s faithfulness. James 1:3-4 reminds us that the testing of our faith produces patience, leading to spiritual maturity and completeness.

In moments of waiting, let us remember:

  1. God has not forgotten you – He sees your labour, your tears and your prayers (Rev 2:2; Psalm 56:8).
  2. God is faithful – His promises are reliable and unwavering (Hebrews 10:23).

As we move into 2025, let us become "prisoners of hope" (Zechariah 9:12), standing firm in faith and patience. We are not defined by our circumstances but by God’s promises. His Word assures us that all His promises are "Yes and Amen" in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20).

So, don’t give up hope. Keep trusting, keep believing, and keep waiting patiently for His perfect timing. God bless you!


 

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