Recently, I did a word study on the word, "patience" from Hebrews 12:1).  What I learned has given me a better understanding of God's use of difficulties in our lives.  James tells us that the trying of our faith accomplishes "patience" (James 1:3); and he goes on to say in verse four, that this is a work in progress (we're under construction), "that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."  In other words, God's doing stuff to us through all these circumstances that we don't like.

 

The English definition of patience means, "the suffering of afflictions, pain, toil, calamity, provocation or other evil, with a calm, unruffled temper" (Noah Webster, 1828).  But the New Testament usage of the word primarily implies an endurance in suffering.  I will share three contexts to illustrate this idea of the word, "patience."

 

First, the prophet Job was described by James as an example of "patience" (or endurance, James 5:11).  He says, "Behold, we count them happy which endure [my emphasis).  Ye have heard of the patience of Job [endurance]."  Now, we all know the story of Job - he just hung onto God even though he didn't understand.  Job said, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust him."  Of course, you've heard of the endurance of Job.

 

Second, the writer of Hebrews admonishes us to consider Jesus in order to keep from fainting (Hebrews 12:3) as we run our own faith race (Hebrews 12:1).  Our word for endurance is found in verses one, two, and three of Hebrews chapter twelve.  Jesus endured the cross, the shame, and the contradiction of sinners against Himself.  Jesus endured by focusing on the joy that was coming.  Next time you feel like fainting, think about Jesus.  Think about heaven and the eternal rewards.  Think about how He didn't faint.  Aren't you glad He didn't faint?

 

Third, John testified to the church of Ephesus in Revelation 2:3 concerning how they had demonstrated patience...and had not fainted.  Enduring is the opposite of fainting.  This church had done it for the Lord's name's sake (excellent motivation for enduring). 

 

So let's be like the church of Ephesus.  Let's think about how Jesus endured while we are running our own race and sometimes feel like fainting.  Let's remember how Job trusted God even though he did not understand God - Job just endured.  Remember, God is doing something in us through all these things.  Let's just take it patiently (1 Peter 2:20, same word for endurance).  As we used to say in the Army, "If you can take it, you can make it!"