And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Hebrews 6:11-12 We are to imitate the example of those in the Bible who persevered and stepped into the fulfillment of God's plan. This pivotal scripture instructs us to avoid becoming lethargic or half-hearted about our calling. Through faith and patience the promises are inherited. As we take hold of this persevering spirit, our church will become more of an environment that intercepts lives and brings people into the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

I'm convinced God has this whole thing figured out better than we realize. Even though the timeline may seem impossible, He will bring His plan to pass. Abraham and his wife no longer had the ability to conceive children; yet they had a son. Lazarus was four days dead; yet Jesus addressed Martha's despair: "Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" (John 11:40). Believing God's Word sustains you through crazy circumstances until His promises come to pass. We've got to commit and recommit to this thing with the constant sense that God has tremendous plans beyond what we can fathom!

I believe our church is poised for something way beyond the richness of what we are already experiencing. Somewhere along the line we need to strip off everything that hinders us and be imitators of those who though faith and patience inherit the promises (Hebrews 6:12). "Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us" (Hebrews 12:1). We live in an amazing time right now. The stakes are high and we must continue to press on. Don't lose heart and don't grow weary, and in due time you will see God's big plan come to pass (Galatians 6:9).

Persevere!
Pastor Jeff




© 2007 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.