Heed The Watchmen

Patient Faith

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6

            Even by implication, we understand that to diligently seek God takes time. I fear that one of the reasons many of us see few answers to prayer is because we want them to appear right away, and are unwilling to wait.

            Yet believing God in faith over extended periods of time lies within the heritage of true believers. The Bible is filled with examples and instruction concerning this. It is hard for us today, especially in Western Culture. We are in a “microwave” society—expecting nearly instant results as though everything we want should be at our fingertips. Jamie and I also struggle to overcome these tendencies; but we have found that God readily answers our prayers to be more patient—and learning is not always easy!

            It is most important to remember that God gives us answers according to His perfect timing. We tend to think that what we pray should happen right away, and that is not always best. We have received God’s promise to make a way of escape (I Corinthians 10:13), and to work all things for the good (Romans 8:28):  we must trust Him to know the best time and way to answer our prayers. Look at the wonderful promise given in Psalms 145:14-19:

The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down. The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them. Psalms 145:14-19

            Focus on verse 15, where we are told that we will receive in due season. That is to say, God is providing when the answer is actually needed. In the meantime we are to pray in faith, thanking God for answering our prayers, even when it is yet unseen.

            There are even times when things seem to get worse after we’ve prayed! This often happens after a great spiritual closeness to God; we are even certain of His will and leading. These attacks of Satan should be expected. Our adversary wants to discourage us from following Christ in faith; the devil despises and fears true faith in God! It means a certain defeat for the kingdom of darkness in your life!

            Do not listen to voices of compromise, when you know the way which Jesus has led you into pursuing. There is a long Biblical history of saints who have experienced the same afflictions. We will look at some of these examples, and then review related scriptures containing direct instructions concerning patient faith.

            God looked upon the affliction of His people (Israel) in the land of Egypt, and it was His time to bring them out. Moses was that faithful, chosen vessel which God used to bring His people forth from bondage (Exodus 3:10).

            Think of the power in this calling from God! He appears to Moses in a burning bush, and gives to Moses three signs to perform; (1) The rod turns into a serpent (2) His hand becomes leprous and heals itself (3) The changing of water to blood.

            Moses then takes this leading of God to the elders of the children of Israel—they then gladly receive the positive news that God was about to deliver them! Who wouldn’t? All were in eager anticipation when Moses went to meet with Pharaoh…

            Yet HE WAS REJECTED by Pharaoh, and his petition made Pharaoh angry, and greatly increased the oppression of Israel. One would expect a much warmer reception to a move of God! The elders of Israel respond;

And they said unto them, The LORD look upon you, and judge; because ye have made our savor to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us. Exodus 5:21

            The disappointment was great for Moses, as well. This he expresses when approaching the Lord, after his encounter with Pharaoh. Please note the forthright honesty! God already knows what is in our hearts.

And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, LORD, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? why is it that thou hast sent me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all. Exodus 5:22,23

            Our Lord is faithful in every word that He gives. We all know the outcome of this story—the ten plagues, the spoiling of Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea; and the deliverance of God’s people Israel. Yet for a short time, things got worse before the big moves of God. This is a time of testing for us, and we need patient faith to make it through.

Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. Hebrews 4:1

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. Hebrews 10:35,36

            In my mind, no story better illustrates patient longsuffering than that of Joseph (Genesis chapters 37, 39-45). From the time of God’s given dreams, it was 22 years until their fulfillment! If any of you have not read this story, please take the time to do so. I will briefly highlight the time line for you.

—Joseph was 17 years old at the time of his dreams (Genesis 37:2).

—Joseph was 30 years old when brought before Pharaoh (Genesis 41:46).

—7 years of plenty, followed by 7 years of drought are prophesied (Genesis 41:29,30).

—7 years of plenty ends, and the famine begins (Genesis 41:53,54).

—The time of dream fulfillment, when Joseph reunites with family. It is 2 years into the drought, or 9 total years since Joseph first stood before Pharaoh; he is then 39 years old (Genesis 45:6 gives famine timeline).

            Joseph was a humble servant of God all of his days. He remained faithful to his creator. Because of this, Joseph was continually blessed in all that he did—and many others were blessed because of him (all of Egypt!). All during Joseph’s imprisonment, he was exactly where God wanted him to be! Still, it was far from Joseph’s first choice of a situation, I’m sure. Yet he served God in faith, beyond what he saw or felt (II Corinthians 5:7).

            The need for patient persistence in faith is again shown to us through Daniel. In the book of Daniel 10:3, we are told of Daniel’s seeking the Lord for 3 entire weeks. It is described as “mourning” and “chastening”, done with a type of fasting listed also in verse 3.

            We are finally told in verses 12 & 13 the reasons behind the delay—spiritual warfare. We are also told that Daniel’s prayer answer was sent from the first day that he began to pray! Daniel’s prayers added strength in the spiritual fight being waged; but he had no awareness of what was happening at the time. We must persist in prayer! How easily and often we give up after only a few of the most feeble prayers, when God wants us to continue on (Luke 11:5-10). This scripture reveals to us the truth of what is really going on as we pray; verifying the certainty of other verses such as Ephesians 6:12:

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Luke 18:1

            John chapter 11 records one of the most powerful miracles done by Jesus while He was physically here on earth; the raising of Lazarus from the dead. Thinking upon this miracle today, we are mostly struck by the triumphant power of God being displayed here. But it did not always seem this way to those who were actually experiencing the tragedy of Lazarus’ death…

Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha….Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was. John 11:1…5,6

            Now, I would never chop up or omit verses, because we do need every word God has for us. But if we look at the account of this miracle, point by point, we can find much spiritual food to sustain us in what we actually go through every day. In these verses we find that when Jesus was called upon, He seemed to do nothing!  Haven’t each of us experienced this? At times we feel our need to be so very desperate; yet in calling out to God in prayer He seems not to have even heard us. Where is the God of Elijah? Has He forgotten, or forsaken us? NO! Just look at these wonderful promises;

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Hebrews 13:5,6

Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted. But Zion said, The LORD hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me. Isaiah 49:13-16

            When Jesus finally goes to His friends, it is in God’s due season. He indicates this to His disciples in verses 14 & 15 by saying, “Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.” Did you notice it? Jesus directly provides the reason for the course of action He took—to increase faith within His disciples. These are times of testing for us. We are being purified as gold tried in the fire (I Peter 1:6,7); waiting patiently upon God to answer, continuing in the prayers of faith. During these times, things often look bleak—almost as if we are forgotten by God. Yet our Lord is always faithful to His promises, and will bring the answer in due season. We always want the answers immediately, but God will make sure we have it in time to meet the need. Even King David had moments of struggling with faith. One of these times is shared for our benefit in Psalms 31:22;

For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee. Psalms 31:22

            Getting back to John 11, it is Martha who first comes to greet Jesus when He arrives. There is a wonderful exchange of faith and hope in these next verses.

Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. John 11:21-27

            Even through her grief, Martha still believed! She knew that Jesus is the Son of God, and went to Him as an intercessor—which is indeed the role He still plays today, for all who believe in Him unto salvation.

            For the other Jews attending Lazarus’ funeral, there were questions and criticisms about Jesus’ being there. While they could plainly see Jesus’ love for the family, they wondered why He had not come earlier to prevent this death (11:36,37). Don’t we also wonder why some tragedies occur? Let us pray for heavenly sight; that God will show us from His perspective what is being accomplished.

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. II Corinthians 4:17,18

            We then come to the resurrection moment, and Jesus prays; “Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always:  but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.” (11:41-42) so what was the result?

Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. John 11:45

            Jesus knew the perfect time and method for coming to Lazarus. It revealed Him as the Christ, and showed plainly His relationship to our Heavenly Father. Jesus won them over not only with His power, but also with His love. Even just going to the funeral was putting His own life at risk, a fact well known and recorded.

His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?... Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him. John 11:8…16

            Even after this miracle, the Jewish leadership still sought to kill Him—take a look;

Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles…Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death. John 11:47…53

But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus. John 12:10,11

            Another example is to be found in Judges chapter 9. Abimelech was one of seventy sons of Gideon (Jerubbal), and sought to be king (9:2). He therefore conspired, and killed all the rest of his brothers; except for Jotham (9:5). Jotham then prophesied against Abimelech and those men which had helped his brother, for the terrible deed which they had done (9:19,20). It was more than 3 years later until this prophecy was fulfilled (9:56,57). Note:  the Bible calls it a curse (verse 57) from Jotham; yet it was also a prophecy from God, for the foretelling and fulfillment of it are plainly prophetic in nature (the telling beforehand of a future event).

            In Jeremiah 42, the captains of Israel inquired of the Lord through Jeremiah the prophet.

Then all the captains of the forces, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least even unto the greatest, came near, And said unto Jeremiah the prophet, Let, we beseech thee, our supplication be accepted before thee, and pray for us unto the LORD thy God, even for all this remnant; (for we are left but a few of many, as thine eyes do behold us:) That the LORD thy God may shew us the way wherein we may walk, and the thing that we may do. Then Jeremiah the prophet said unto them, I have heard you; behold, I will pray unto the LORD your God according to your words; and it shall come to pass, that whatsoever thing the LORD shall answer you, I will declare it unto you; I will keep nothing back from you…And it came to pass after ten days, that the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah. Jeremiah 42:1-4…7

            Ten days is far from 22 years, 3 years, or even the 3 weeks listed in Daniel. But how many of us will wait even that long? In patient faith, we need to be certain of what God said; sure that it is not merely our own thoughts or feelings being reflected. Please read of Gideon in Judges chapters 6,7, as an example of one seeking the assurance of God’s direction.

            Examples of patient faith are given throughout the Bible, and so are the admonitions to have it—these are qualities which must continually grow within us, for they are necessary in each believer’s life. The following list is not nearly a complete one, but is still very lengthy. My intent here is to show you the importance of patient faith, and the need to seek God for more of it every day. For this we must have the Holy Ghost, because the “natural man” within us resists these qualities. Please review the following with prayer;

Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. Psalms 25:5

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. Psalms 27:14

Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. Psalms 37:7-9

And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee. Psalms 39:7

Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us. Psalms 123:2

The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD. Lamentations 3:25,26

And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation. Isaiah 25:9

And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him. Isaiah 30:18

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. Isaiah 7:7

And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all? And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? Luke 12:36-42

In your patience possess ye your souls. Luke 21:19

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Romans 5:3-5

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: Romans 15:4,5

But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, II Corinthians 6:4

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Colossians 1:10,11

So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: II Thessalonians 1:4,5

That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. Hebrews 6:12-15

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1

Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:3,4

Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. Revelation 14:12

            See also Genesis 49:18, Deuteronomy 32:35, Psalms 25:3,21, 33:20, 37:34, 40:1, 59:9, 62:1,5, 104:27, 130:5,6, Proverbs 20:22, Ecclesiastes 7:8, Jeremiah 14:22, Isaiah 8:17, 26:8, 33:2, 49:23, 64:4, Habakkuk 2:3, Zephaniah 3:8, Luke 8:15, 18:1, Romans 2:7, 8:25, 12:12, II Corinthians 12:12, Galatians 5:22, I Thessalonians 1:3, II Thessalonians 3:5, I Timothy 6:11, II Timothy 3:10, Hebrews chapter 11, James 5:7-11, I Peter 2:20, 5:6, II Peter 1:5,6, 3:9, Revelation 1:9, 2:2,3,19, 3:10, 13:10.

            There is no one particular experience to seek out that will grant you patient faith. It is something that the Lord grows within us through many various experiences. Pray for the Holy Spirit to fill you more and more for wisdom and insight (Luke 11:13). Continually read the Word of God, and claim every one of His promises. Our Heavenly Father loves to prove Himself in our lives!

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. John 15:7,8

            Our lives have recently been touched deeply by reading about George Mueller of Bristol (1805-1898). This man of great faith relied upon God for all of his temporal needs. Hundreds, possibly thousands of times, God’s provision came at the last possible minute! To our limited perceptions, they sometimes came far later than is practical. But God is no liar! (Numbers 23:19)

            The specific challenge we face is to live out our lives in the assurance of God’s promises. First serve Him, and the rest will follow. “Therefore I say unto you, take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on…But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow:…” From Matthew 6:25-34 (read it all!).

            It is a blessed thing to walk so closely with our Savior, but we have so much to learn. Remember that you are not alone in your trials—we are united through the Holy Ghost.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. I Peter 5:8,9