FAITH AND PATIENCE CAUSE US TO FINISH

Hebrews 6:11–12 “And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: that you be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”

The two words that stick out to me are “diligence” and “slothful.” If you and I are going to finish, we can’t be lazy. We must stay laser-focused on finishing our course. So many times, with the things of God, you must walk a fine line. If it is going to get done, it must get done in the power of God. If you lean too heavily on just that aspect of this equation, then the tendency is to think that only God can do it and whatever happens was just meant to happen.

A lot of believers have discovered that this is not a truth concerning most things of God, like healing and prosperity. God has His part, but they have learned from the Word that they must do their part and exercise faith in the Word of God. If both parts are not done, the promise or the will of God does not come to pass.

When it comes to running our race and finishing our course, we learn from this verse not to be slothful or lazy. Finishing our course takes some labor on our part. There are definite things we must do, and if we do not do them, then God’s grace and power will not kick in so we can finish our course. We must discover and obey God’s plan, and every day use our faith (the just live by faith), and follow the Holy Ghost.

The interesting thing about this is that a lot of people understand they have a part, but when it comes to their course or destiny, they revert to the religious teaching that says it is all up to God and whatever is meant to be will just be. Be very careful about that. You have everything to do with whether or not you finish your God-given course. We must be diligent about finishing and not lazy about it.