Through faith and patience
“...that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:12
On June 19th, 2021 our country declared Juneteenth a national holiday. The original date in 1866 marked the end of 250 years of enslavement for people of African descent with the ratification of the 13th Amendment. As I remember my slave ancestors, I am inspired by their resilience as they endured unimaginable suffering and unfair treatment; they held fast to a promise that one day their children and grandchildren would be free.
An encouraging connection for us in 2021 to those who received the promise of Emancipation through faith and patience all those years ago is evident in the Hebrews scripture that frames this writing. Testimonies recorded in slave narratives tell us that many enslaved people could not read, but hearing the promises of God strengthened their hope. We understand that faith comes by hearing, and hearing the word of God always brings hope. My ancestors’ faith in God helped them survive the oppression of slavery and the spirituals reflected their hope in God to see them through. Imagine the hope felt by many when an unknown slave declared, “He Got the Whole World in His Hands!”
We understand that faith comes by hearing, and hearing the word of God always brings hope.
The story of Queen Esther is another encouraging example of faith and patience during significant intimidation and threat from powerful people around her. When the lives of her people were scheduled for complete annihilation, Esther fasted three days prior to pleading before the King. The Bible tells us that she did not rush in with her request, but instead, she wisely prepared a three-day banquet. Her absolute trust and confidence in God led her to enter the
King’s chamber when she had not been invited and, at the risk of losing her life, she spoke the following words: “For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come upon my people? Or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred (Esther 8:6)?”
On June 23rd, the King sent out a new decree that granted the Jews the right to defend their lives and protect their loved ones in every city. This decree became a law and the date an annual festival. As we remember, let us seek to imitate and follow the example of those who endured untold hardships through faith and patience. Let us not become indifferent spiritual sluggards but true followers of the One for whom the hope that was set before Him, endured the cross and suffered the shame. He is our Lord Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). We serve a God who is a promise keeper and if we patiently trust in Him we will obtain the promises.
Dr. Brenda Palmer has ministered in Central Mass for many years and serves as one the co-founders of the New Hope Community Church of Ayer, MA.
