The Zimbabwean journey
How long must one wait for noble pursuits in this world? Can a believer truly set a timeline when relying on divine intervention? Those without faith often struggle most when patience is demanded—a challenge Zimbabwe knows well, as it seeks harmony between believers and non-believers. Yet, despite tensions, the majority of Zimbabweans remain unwavering in their faith, a cornerstone in understanding the nation’s current state. For the spiritually attuned, blame holds no purpose; instead, patience in God’s timing stands as the greatest virtue He requires of His people.
The presence of non-believers in society should not provoke hostility from the faithful. Yet, social media brims with raw frustration—directed, at times, at figures like Cde Blessed “Bombshell” Geza and Advocate Nelson Chamisa, who faced similar scrutiny before Geza. Critics demand decisive action, convinced that obvious solutions to Zimbabwe’s political impasse remain unaddressed. Chamisa’s use of Scripture, in particular, has drawn ire. But such reactions from sceptics are predictable.
Their critiques, though often sincere, stem from ignorance. They fixate on what Chamisa should achieve, yet do little themselves to bring about change. To place such expectations on a single leader borders on idolatry—much like assuming foreign political models can be seamlessly transplanted to Zimbabwe. The truth is, those who blame politicians must first confront their own role in the nation’s struggles. Their denial does not absolve them; in many ways, they are the architects of their own discontent, if not what prevails today.
As Christians, called to be the light of the world, we must recognise God’s hand at work in Zimbabwe. There is no need to measure the nation against others with disdain, for it carries the seed of a remarkable civilization—if nurtured with patience. Without this virtue, failure is inevitable. The story of Abraham stands as a timeless reminder: faith is tested in the waiting, and greatness is forged in trust, not haste.
Abraham: A Paragon of Faith Tested by Time
Abraham stands as a towering figure of unwavering faith in Scripture. His journey began with a divine covenant that demanded immense sacrifice—leaving the comfort of his homeland for an unknown destination. Yet, his first profound trial arose not from external hardship, but from within his own household: his wife Sarai’s barrenness. Despite decades of unanswered prayers and the despair of old age, Abraham clung to God’s promise. His faith was not a fleeting conviction but a patient endurance.
When Isaac was finally born—a miracle in their twilight years—it seemed the fulfilment of God’s pledge. But faith, once proven, was tested again in the most agonising way: the command to sacrifice Isaac, the child of promise. Here, Abraham’s patience and trust reached their zenith. He did not waver, remembering that the God who gave Isaac could also restore him (Hebrews 11:19). His obedience was not blind resignation but a steadfast reliance on God’s unchanging nature.
The Cost of Patience: Delayed Promises and Unseen Fulfilment
Abraham and Sarah died without witnessing the full fruition of God’s covenant—yet Scripture honours them as dying “in faith” (Hebrews 11:13). Their story challenges modern believers: Can we trust God’s promises when their realisation lies beyond our lifetime?
Patience is the bridge between faith’s confession and its manifestation. Like Abraham, believers today face trials that demand endurance—unanswered prayers, prolonged suffering, or calls to surrender what is most precious. The temptation to force outcomes (as with Hagar) or abandon hope is ever-present. Yet Abraham’s legacy teaches that true faith is cultivated in waiting, not in haste.
The Christian Calling: A Faith Beyond Abraham’s
Paul declares that believers in Christ are “Abraham’s seed” (Galatians 3:29), heirs to promises fulfilled in Jesus. Yet our standard is higher: Abraham sacrificed his son; Christians are called to sacrifice themselves (Romans 12:1). We are not left without example—Christ’s resurrection anchors our hope, making earthly trials temporary and eternally purposeful.
Jesus’ teaching on mustard-seed faith (Matthew 17:20) underscores that faith’s power lies not in its size but in its object. However, without patience, faith withers under trial. Consider the believer praying for a job, the couple yearning for a child, or the persecuted church clinging to hope—their struggles mirror Abraham’s. Impatience breeds compromise; patience fortifies resolve.
Conclusion: The Discipline of Patient Faith
Abraham’s life was unremarkable by worldly standards, yet eternally significant. His struggles—delay, uncertainty, sacrifice—mirror ours, but his patience set him apart. For Christians, patience is not passive waiting but active trust in the God who “acts for those who wait for Him” (Isaiah 64:4).
Key Takeaways:
- Faith is refined in waiting—God’s timing is purposeful, not arbitrary.
- Patience guards against counterfeit faith—endurance proves genuineness (James 1:3-4).
- Our hope transcends this life—like Abraham, we are “strangers and exiles” (Hebrews 11:13), awaiting an eternal fulfilment.
“Let us run with endurance the race set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilisation, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing relief to those who have witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions, leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
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