July 9: For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. Heb. 10:36

What is the will of God? Stated in concrete form, "This is the will of God (concerning you), even your sanctification" (1 Thes. 4:3)....We are doing the will of God when we fully consecrate ourselves to Him.... But He wills to put us to the test. How much do we love God? How sincere are we?...So we are tested as to our loyalty. What are we willing to endure for Christ's sake? How fully are we submitted? How deep does our submission go? Are we wholly in harmony with the will of the Lord? Is our interest merely superficial, or does it enter fully into our hearts? The question is not merely, Shall we make the consecration?--but after the Christian has taken all these preliminary steps, to what extent will he manifest patient endurance and obedience and loyalty? God puts us to these tests because He has great honors to bestow on those who will be overcomers. They are to be a select company, and these will receive the promise. R5332