Scriptures: Hebrews 6:11-12
“And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
Hope is absolutely necessary if we want to inherit God’s promise, especially when the situation we are experiencing does not show any sign that His promise will be fulfilled. Hope enables us to say, “Even though it is unlikely, it is possible.” Therefore, it is very important for us to always have the full assurance of hope of God’s promise within us. When we have this full assurance of hope, we will no longer doubt or wonder whether God’s promise will be fulfilled or not. We will be sure and not become sluggish in waiting for this promise.
The fulfillment of God’s promise is determined by two main factors:
1) Time appointed by God Himself.
2) The attitude of our hearts in waiting.
In general, God’s promise will only be fulfilled in His time. But, it can be delayed because of the attitude of our hearts. A lack of sincerity makes us sluggish and this will slow down the fulfillment of His promise.
How can we not become sluggish in waiting for God’s promises?
1) Turning hope into faith.
Faith is the substance of things we hope for (Hebrews 11:1). Something we hope for is something that we are waiting for, something that we expect to receive some time in the future, which is God’s promise. Faith brings the future to the present. It makes God’s promise real to us now, even before it is actually fulfilled.
2) Seeing patiently while preparing.
Patience is the ability to wait for the fulfillment of God’s promise. God’s promises will surely be fulfilled in due time. However, He wants us to always see this promise in His presence, so that we can know how we should prepare ourselves and know the signs of the fulfillment of His promise.
God’s promise in Christ is always ‘yes’ and ‘amen’, as it is written, “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” (2 Corinthians 1:20)