Faith and Patience - 2 Thessalonians 1:3,4

We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:

The faith and patience of the Thessalonians was so great that Paul held them up as an example to all the churches. Patience is a virtue that must always accompany faith; One reason is that we don't always know the timing of the Lord. Promised blessings may take time and include trials and tribulations. But the purposes of the Lord are sure. The man of faith trusts in the Lord to fulfill His promises, no matter what lies down the road.