This Kind of Patience

Many Christians give up on their faith when they fail to see results as swiftly as they anticipate. When their prayers for healing aren’t answered within a certain time frame, their experience convinces them that their illness must be God’s divine purpose. Those who invest their time and resources into the Lord’s ministry and fail to observe a return within a specific time frame are also tempted to give up believing. Not witnessing the results of promises such as “by His stripes you were healed” or “whatever a man sows that he shall also reap” makes these promises appear false. However, God’s promises aren’t lies. The problem lies in the fact that many believers seek instant solutions to problems that most likely have developed over time, and they haven’t given their faith the time to witness the fruit the Word promises.

A significant amount of patience is involved to develop our faith. A lot of people give up before faith has a chance to work in their lives. Faith and patience are connected. Both are necessary to receive God’s promises. Hebrews 10:36 states in the King James Version: “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.”

The word “patience” comes from the Greek word “hupomene,” which is a compound of the two words “hupo” and “meno.” The word “hupo” means “under,” and the word “meno” means “to stay or to remain.” Together these two words mean “endurance” and “to stay under.” The Greek word “hupomene” describes a person who is burdened by a problem but remains steadfast in their faith, determined to endure the wait for an answer, no matter how long it takes.

This person portrayed in the word “hupomene” is unwavering and fully persuaded that God has the power to do what He has promised (Romans 4:21). He will remain steadfast in this uncompromising position until he achieves victory. Despite the sacrifices he must endure, his commitment remains unshakable. Nothing can tempt him to change his mind. He is resolute in his determination to hold tightly to his belief. His faith is strong, tenacious, and stubborn; it refuses to give up on what is promised.

Perhaps, pressure from the devil has kept you from standing resolutely in faith. Don’t let his lies condemn you for your failure. Neither let your heart condemn you, and you can have confidence in God to try again and “to stay” the course (1 John 3:21). To experience victory in a strenuous situation, you must make a courageous stand of faith and remain steadfast in your commitment to it.

Time is often required to experience victory. Even if your request aligns with God’s will, the answer doesn’t always come promptly without hindrances. The enemy comes against your understanding of God’s will for your life. You also struggle with your flesh, which craves comfort and hates challenges. Your faith may need to grow. As you seek the answer to your prayer, God desires your faith to progress to a higher level. You must renew your mind so that you can “ask in faith, nothing wavering” (James 1:6).

With steadfast focus and determination, your faith remains unshakable. If you want to outmaneuver the enemy and successfully accomplish what God has planned for your life, you must sow and nourish this kind of patience. If you want to stay in the battle until the enemy is defeated and you are victorious, endurance is a requirement.

With this kind of patience in your life, there’s no doubt that you’ll emerge victorious in the battle; the only question is when. You must hold on tightly to your faith, remaining steadfast, resolute, relentless, unwavering, and unyielding. Resist any attempts to sway you.

Lord Jesus, I repent for the times I have given up on my faith before it has had time to work. There are times I have not fed my faith with your Word, and I have become impatient instead of persevering and remaining strong.  Lord, I receive your forgiveness, and I ask you to strengthen me in my inner man so patience can have its perfect work in me. Lord, your promise to me is true. It is your will, and I will remain steadfast until I receive it. I pray this in your wonderful and powerful name. Yours is the name above any sickness, need, or issue. Yours is the name above princes and principalities, the name above all. You are my Jesus, and I can put my faith in you. You will never fail me.