BY JIM KASEMAN

“…… imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (Hebrews 6:12 NKJ).

“…… In your patience possess your souls” (Luke 21:19 NKJ).

“…… and let us run with endurance (patience) the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).

“… knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience (endurance or perseverance)” (James 1:2-8).

A Godly Attribute -(Faith and Patience)

After the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the growth of the New Testament churches is almost beyond our comprehension. By the end of the third century there were 800,000 Christians despite vigorous persecution and martyrdom of thousands. That was one-fifteenth of the Roman Empire! (“History of Protestant Missions” by Warnock).

For two hundred years, to become a Christian meant the great renunciation, the joining of a despised and persecuted sect, the swimming against the tide of popular prejudice, the coming under the ban of the impure, and the possibility at any moment of imprisonment and death under its most fearful forms.

For two hundred years he that would follow Christ must count the cost, and be prepared to pay the same with his liberty and life. For two hundred years the mere profession of Christianity was itself a crime.

In spite of all the opposition, the early Church demonstrated great faith and patience (perseverance, endurance) in holding fast to the Gospel of Jesus Christ without wavering. Resulting in the great
victories here on earth and great rewards from the “One” whom they served so faithfully!

REMEMBER, AS CHRISTIANS WE DO NOT FAIL UNLESS WE QUIT! Love does not fail, God is love, we are born of God, He lives in us, and we can do all things through Christ! We can exercise patience, perseverance, endurance and win in Christ!

Faith

In order to come into the family of God and win the rewards of life, we must come to God in faith (Hebrews 11:6). In other words, what we speak with our mouth and believe n our hearts must be complete trust and confidence in God. (Proverbs 3:5).

Patience (Perserverance)

Now, according to James 2:26, faith or trust without corresponding actions is dead. If we really trust God we will display the appropriate actions in our lives that demonstrate that God is really alive and his word is true.

Many times to receive the manifestation of God’s promises in our lives will require patience, endurance and perseverance. Because the Kingdom of God is based on the seed principle. Once we sow, there is a period of time where we wait for the harvest. It takes time for the harvest to manifest but do not become weary for in due season you shall reap (see Galatians 6:9)!

It’s while the seed is growing that we have many opportunities to doubt and quit, never realizing the harvest or answers to our prayers. This is where patience plays a vital role in our lives.

Defining Patience

Depending on what translation of the Bible you have, there are basically several words that are used throughout the scriptures in defining this spiritual force called patience.

Patience means “to endure pain and trouble without complaining.” Patience also means “to be diligent and to persevere.”

Let’s be encouraged to persevere, in our walk with Jesus, as we look to the Scriptures and see the success of many men and women who persevered in their Christian walk and enjoyed many victories in their life here on earth and great rewards awaiting them in heaven.

Don’t quit, and you’ll see the answers to your prayers, whether it be healing, finances, relationships etc. God’s Word is true and it’s ours to receive and enjoy.
THE ABOVE MATERIAL WAS PUBLISHED IN THE MAY 1993 ISSUE OF THE JIM KASEMAN MINISTRIES NEWSLETTER, AND WAS WRITTEN BY JIM KASEMAN. THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN COPYRIGHTED AND MAY BE USED FOR RESEARCH AND STUDY PURPOSES ONLY.