http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_FyYHbcscg
Faith is like having an imaginary friend as a child. However, instead of talking to this person, you develop a strong belief that everything will be all right. Over time questioning parents are replaced by a cynical world, trying to convince you that you’re insane or hallucinating. In the final episode of Joan of Arcadia, Season 1, doctors persuade Joan, played by Amber Tamblyn, that her encounters with God have been a figment of her imagination. In the same way, when God is silent its not uncommon for many to lose faith.
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him, Hebrews 11:6.
Patience on the other hand is one of those virtues you would like to possess, but are afraid to pray for. Anyone who asks God for patience will be ushered into numerous situations that will force you to learn this trait the hard way. Beyond praying, patience is often acquired over a period of time in the form of lessons learned through trials. Time has a way of helping individuals see the big picture, using hindsight to recognize God’s hand in your past. Thus, patient people tend to lean on faith which ultimately leads to blessings.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance, James 1:2-3.
When you add two numbers together in math, the outcome is always identical. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about life. Job endured horrible disappointment which led friends to believe these events were a form of God’s punishment for some unconfessed sin. These anomies continue to exist today, pushing faith and patience to the limit. Nonetheless, if you follow the words of Deuteronomy 28:1-3, over the long haul you will find that faith plus patience leads to blessings.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 