God's Promise Is Just Ahead

“For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise” (Hebrews 10:36).

The writer of Hebrews detects a weariness and impatience creeping into the believers. He wanted to address this by identifying for them Satan’s most effective weapon against those who grow weary in well doing: impatience with God.

Here is how it works. After a long period of affliction, the devil plants the thought, “God knows you’ve trusted Him and you’ve been faithful up to now. You would never doubt His willingness and ability to help you. So, where is He after all this time? Why doesn’t He help you? Is this how He responds to His servants’ faithfulness?”

Satan uses this exact kind of strategy against many dear saints today, implanting impatience with God. He is telling you that the Lord is not going to supply your need — that you will live as a second-class Christian, downcast and on your own for the rest of your life.

You may hear Satan’s accusatory voice, “You’re going to lose your job. You’ll lose your home. All your praying and trusting will be in vain. It’s obvious you’re a failure in faith. The time has come for you to give up and go back.”

Think about what the writer of Hebrews was saying to these suffering saints. What a message to deliver to a people mired in deep trouble! They had lost all their property and possessions and were enduring a long fight. And now they are being told by someone in authority, “You lack patience. Just believe and wait. The promise is coming.”

Yes, it is difficult to be patient but trust the Lord and don’t be fooled by Satan. Know that His promise lies just ahead and that He has not forsaken you.