Note 27 at 1 Cor. 15:58: Paul's statement about being "steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord" is sandwiched between two other statements which make this possible. Only when our trust is in the Lord, who gives us the victory (v. 57), will we experience this level of commitment. When we draw on our own strength, we invariably fail.

And only when we know that God always rewards our work in the Lord will we have the patience Paul spoke of. There will be circumstances when it doesn't look like things are going God's way, but our absolute trust in God's law of sowing and reaping (Gal. 6:7-9) will give us the assurance we need to remain faithful.