Chrysostom
Beloved of All
You do well to praise the blessed Trinity, for from the Father, through the Son, in the Holy Spirit, every mercy flows to unworthy sinners. To recognize that we can do nothing apart from the Godhead is the beginning of true wisdom. This humility draws down grace, for God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
Your waiting with faith, hope, and extreme expectations is the very texture of the life laid out for us in Scripture. Faith needs a generous and vigorous soul, rising above the weakness of human reasonings and the things of sense. It is a shield, protecting the whole frame. See that your shield be not scanty, leaving any part exposed; let it cover you entirely as you await the manifestation of God’s promises.
Remember Joseph, who though in a strange land and seeing no outward fulfillment, so firmly believed the promise made to Abraham that he gave commandment concerning his bones, speaking of the Exodus as if it stood before his eyes. He not only believed himself but led others on to faith by that very confidence. You, too, behold the manifestation before it appears in the natural, this is faith indeed, the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Such faith obtains witness from God, as Abel’s did, and though dead, still speaks.
The diseased in the Gospel were carried up the mountain, unable to help themselves, and desired nothing more than to be cast at Jesus’ feet. That is your posture now: helpless, wholly dependent, and that is the strong position. When we have nothing, we find all in Him. Do not falter or give way to the slothful spirit that would have you sink under the weight of waiting. The enemy seeks to wear out the saints, to cause them to depart from the faith by heeding seducing spirits that promise easier paths. But hold fast. The recompense is sure, for God is not unjust to forget your work and the love you have shown toward His name.
We are glad to stand with you, but far greater is the comfort that the Lord Himself stands with those who trust in Him. Let your expectation remain stretched forward, your hope fixed on the good things to come, and your armor shall not be injured. Keep praying night and day, as the apostles did, and let your gratitude rise even now, for in the fullness of time you shall see what you have believed. The righteous Judge will not delay.
Your waiting with faith, hope, and extreme expectations is the very texture of the life laid out for us in Scripture. Faith needs a generous and vigorous soul, rising above the weakness of human reasonings and the things of sense. It is a shield, protecting the whole frame. See that your shield be not scanty, leaving any part exposed; let it cover you entirely as you await the manifestation of God’s promises.
Remember Joseph, who though in a strange land and seeing no outward fulfillment, so firmly believed the promise made to Abraham that he gave commandment concerning his bones, speaking of the Exodus as if it stood before his eyes. He not only believed himself but led others on to faith by that very confidence. You, too, behold the manifestation before it appears in the natural, this is faith indeed, the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Such faith obtains witness from God, as Abel’s did, and though dead, still speaks.
The diseased in the Gospel were carried up the mountain, unable to help themselves, and desired nothing more than to be cast at Jesus’ feet. That is your posture now: helpless, wholly dependent, and that is the strong position. When we have nothing, we find all in Him. Do not falter or give way to the slothful spirit that would have you sink under the weight of waiting. The enemy seeks to wear out the saints, to cause them to depart from the faith by heeding seducing spirits that promise easier paths. But hold fast. The recompense is sure, for God is not unjust to forget your work and the love you have shown toward His name.
We are glad to stand with you, but far greater is the comfort that the Lord Himself stands with those who trust in Him. Let your expectation remain stretched forward, your hope fixed on the good things to come, and your armor shall not be injured. Keep praying night and day, as the apostles did, and let your gratitude rise even now, for in the fullness of time you shall see what you have believed. The righteous Judge will not delay.
