The Two Pillars of Promise

“So that you may not be sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises” Hebrews 6:12

God’s word shows us clearly that to inherit His promises we need both faith and patience. These are essentially woven together by God for our endurance. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” . Faith is our assurance, our foundation, the title deed to what God has promised, even when our eyes see nothing. Faith believes the promise is real. Patience waits for the promise to arrive. One takes hold, and the other refuses to let go.

James reminds us that trials are not there to break our faith but to produce a patient, enduring spirit that leads to spiritual maturity: “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” James 1:3-4.

We see this pattern throughout the great cloud of witnesses. Abraham, our father in faith, “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God” Romans 4:20. Yet it was only after he had patiently endured that he received the promise: “And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise” Hebrews 6:15. His faith was confirmed through patience.

The prophets show the same example. The bible says, “Take, my brethren, the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering, and of patience” James 5:10. They spoke God’s word in faith and endured in patience. Job, too, persevered, and “Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the endurance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful” James 5:11.

Above all, we look to Jesus, our perfect model. Hebrews 12:2 says, “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” . His faith embraced the joy, and His patience endured the cross.

Romans 8:25 encourages us: “But if we hope for that we see not, we wait for it with patience” . In the last days, the saints are described as those who “keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” . Holding fast to God’s word is the very exercise of patience in action.

Let us be imitators of those who inherit the promises. Let us believe God’s word, then patiently, steadfastly, and joyfully hold onto it until we see its fulfillment. Faith without patience falters, but faith held with patience secures every promise.

Lord, strengthen our faith and give us patience to inherit your promises. Amen.

Kay Alli