Topic: Manifesting the Faith and Patience of Christ [Church of God Mission International] Above Only Daily Devotional 24 September 2021
Click HERE for Previous Above Only
Above Only Devotional
Friday, September 24
Manifesting the Faith and Patience of Christ
Hebrews 4:15 (NLT), Hebrews 6:11-12 (NIV), James 1:2-4 (NKJV)
This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. *We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. *… count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
Many challenges that you will face in life are because of where God is taking you to and because of the plan and purpose that God wants you to fulfil. A lot of growth and strengthening will take place in your life. For where God is taking you to, you need to develop the strength and character of Christ. This strength and character do not develop in you by the laying of hands. They develop in you as you yield yourself to the leading of God’s Spirit and you manifest the faith and patience of Christ. The strength and character of Christ develops in you over time as you go through tough times, persevere in the faith of Christ and manifest the character of Christ.
Real growth and transformation take time. There are many persecutions that will arise in your life because of the word that God has sent and spoken over you (Matt.13:21). Many trials are going to come to tempt you to let go and turn away from the faith and character of Christ but you must always remember that God is at work in you, making you willing and able to do His good will (Phil.2:13). You are dead and it is Christ who is alive in you (Gal.2:20).
To have the faith and patience of Christ, you must have the perspective of Christ in that situation. As God opens your eyes to His will and plan for you in Christ, you have a different attitude to the circumstances you are facing. Apostle Paul instructs that the knowledge of God’s will produce patience and long-suffering with joyfulness (Col.1:9-11). We are able to rejoice even in trying times because we know that the strength and character of Christ are being developed in us (Rom.5:3-5). This becomes part of the joy set before us and it helps us endure.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, please help me to always have the perspective of Christ so I can manifest the faith and patience of Christ in all situations.
Bible In One Year Reading Plan:
Isaiah 43:14-45:10, Ephesians 3:1-21, Psalms 68:1-18, Proverbs 24:1-2