We think of patience as not getting frustrated when our toast lands jelly side down,
even it was the last piece of bread in the bag.
We think of patience as answering kindly to a toddler who has yelled
NO!
NO!
NO!
for the entire morning.
We might really think we’re patient if we can wash the same bedsheets day after day,
and not fuss at that little one who’s trying hard to stay dry all night.
We think we’ve really arrived if we bit our tongue instead of fussing at the squirmly little one
who spilled their milk
for the billionth time……
Those reactions are good,
and bring the Lord glory,
but only scratches the surface of
BIBLICAL PATIENCE.
The Lord’s definition of patience is different than the world’s.
It goes deeper – into heart and soul.
It stays longer – into eternity.
It isn’t just a character trait that is added,
it’s an inward transformation that results in
Jesus shining forth.
It’s not merely a smile and a gentle word during a minor skirmish.
It’s the ability to BE Jesus and SHOW Jesus and BELIEVE Jesus
during the most excruciating moments of your life.
Those moments when the pain is so deep you can’t verbalize prayer,
just sobs and moans and His Precious Name pour forth.
So how does the Lord define patience?
In the original Greek text this word is hupomone.
You don’t know Greek?
Be patient.
This is good.
This is really, really good.
We gain deeper understanding when we know
other words the same Greek word was translated into.
other words the same Greek word was translated into.
Do the words
enduring
enduring
patient continuance
patient waiting
paint a clearer picture for you?
But, when I discovered hupomone was a compound word,
I almost wept when I saw the word picture it created in my mind.
hupo ~ “under”
meno ~ “abide”
Picture yourself
abiding under
the shelter of the Lord
during the trials that tear your heart.
James 1:2-4
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
But let patience have its perfect work,
that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
Patience takes time
because it’s doing a job.
It’s making us perfect.
Hey, who doesn’t wanna’ be perfect?
Hebrews 12:1
Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us lay aside every weight,
and the sin which so easily ensnares us,
and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Can you hold on, dear saints, steadfast in your trials and tribulations?
Can you run the course that is before you with patience?
The course was set,
it didn’t happen on accident.
The course was set,
it didn’t happen on accident.
An old song by Wendy and Mary talks about
demanding immediate patience from the Lord.
demanding immediate patience from the Lord.
We need to patiently wait for patience,
because patience is worth patiently waiting for.
I try to run from that word most days…'cuz it means more trials…and I am just so tired sometimes! But, this morning was a test and trial in patience with homeschooling. In the end, after "patiently" waiting out a 3 hour fit, "patience" won in the end…even if it came with a whomper of a headache.
I try to run from that word most days…'cuz it means more trials…and I am just so tired sometimes! But, this morning was a test and trial in patience with homeschooling. In the end, after "patiently" waiting out a 3 hour fit, "patience" won in the end…even if it came with a whomper of a headache.
Thanks Mindy – I haven't really thought about patience beyond "putting up with something", but it is really about "becoming something."
Thanks Mindy – I haven't really thought about patience beyond "putting up with something", but it is really about "becoming something."