Brothers in Christ, abide in the work of the Lord. This exhortation is not merely a suggestion, but a vital call for every believer who desires to persevere faithfully until the end. The Christian life is not a sprint, but a long journey that requires endurance, faith, and patience. It is necessary to have patience in all our ways, because through perseverance we are able to reach the promise made by our Lord.
To abide in the work of the Lord means to remain steadfast, committed, and faithful, even when circumstances are difficult or discouraging. Many begin their walk with enthusiasm, but along the way trials arise, opposition increases, and weariness sets in. It is precisely at these moments that patience becomes essential. Without patience, faith weakens; without endurance, hope fades.
Knowing this, we are called to continue the race that the Lord has entrusted to us. The Christian calling is often compared in Scripture to a race or a journey, one that demands discipline, focus, and resilience. The apostle Paul frequently used this imagery to encourage believers to press on, reminding them that the finish line is worth every sacrifice made along the way.
Paul speaks specifically to those who are doing the will of the Lord, yet find themselves under pressure. He exhorts them to be patient, because patience strengthens the soul and anchors the believer during seasons of hardship. Through patience, Christians learn to trust God’s timing rather than demanding immediate results.
Patience is not passive resignation; it is active endurance. It is the decision to remain faithful while waiting, to obey even when answers seem delayed, and to continue believing when circumstances appear unchanged. Patience allows the believer to resist temptation, discouragement, and fear, all of which threaten to derail the journey of faith.
In the following verse, we see that Paul perceived a real danger among these believers. They were at risk of losing their faith and trust in Jesus because of prolonged suffering and opposition. For this reason, the apostle addressed them with urgency and compassion, saying:
For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
Hebrews 10:36
This verse reveals an important truth: obedience often precedes fulfillment. The promise of God is not always immediate, even after His will has been done. There is often a waiting period between obedience and reward, and it is during this time that patience is tested and refined.
Paul does not say that patience is optional; he says, “ye have need of patience.” This indicates that patience is essential for spiritual survival. Without it, believers are vulnerable to doubt, frustration, and spiritual collapse. With patience, however, they are strengthened to stand firm until the promise is fulfilled.
It is evident how encouraging Paul was being toward these Christians. He did not minimize their suffering, nor did he ignore their struggles. Instead, he reminded them of the bigger picture: God’s promise was still valid, God’s faithfulness had not changed, and endurance would lead them to victory.
Paul called them to be patient so that they could remain calm and steadfast. This patience was meant to guard their hearts against despair and to keep their faith anchored in Christ. Through patience, they would be able to look beyond present trials and fix their eyes on the promise that awaited them.
This message remains profoundly relevant today. We can clearly see the same risk in our time: many Christians struggle with doubt, discouragement, and loss of trust. The pressures of modern life, unanswered prayers, moral compromise, and prolonged trials cause some to abandon the faith they once embraced with joy.
Some become weary of waiting. Others grow impatient when God does not act according to their expectations. Still others allow suffering to harden their hearts. These realities remind us that the call to patience is not outdated, but urgently needed in every generation.
That is why we must heed this exhortation from our beloved Paul. Patience is not a sign of weakness, but of spiritual maturity. It reflects deep trust in God’s character and confidence in His promises. Those who endure demonstrate that their faith is not rooted in circumstances, but in Christ.
Dear brothers in faith, let us continue using the shield given to us by our God. Scripture tells us that faith is a shield that extinguishes the fiery darts of the enemy. Patience strengthens this shield, enabling us to withstand attacks that aim to produce doubt and fear.
Let us continue in God’s work with unwavering faith, even when results are not immediately visible. Every act of obedience, every moment of endurance, and every prayer offered in faith is seen by God. Nothing done for the Lord is ever wasted.
God’s promises are not canceled by delay. They are not weakened by time. On the contrary, waiting often deepens our dependence on God and refines our character. The promise becomes even more precious when it is finally received after a season of perseverance.
The Christian who endures with patience learns to rest in God’s sovereignty. He understands that God’s timing is perfect and that His plans cannot fail. This confidence produces peace, even in the midst of uncertainty.
Therefore, let us not grow weary in doing good. Let us press on, trusting that after we have done the will of God, we will indeed receive the promise. Our labor is not in vain, our faith is not misplaced, and our hope is secure in Christ.
May the Lord strengthen our hearts with patience, renew our faith daily, and keep us steadfast in His work. Let us endure to the end, confident that the promise of our God will surely come to pass, and that those who persevere will be richly rewarded. Amen.