Patience

“Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything”. James 1: 3-4 NIV

The Greek word for perseverance is Hupomone. It means to abide under, remain, or endure and implies an inward fortitude that allows one to withstand trials. It is not a passive resignation of the circumstances.

Hupomone is often translated as endurance, steadfastness or patience.

Patience is a fundamental character of God. That is why the Apostle Paul lists it as a “fruit of the Spirit,” meaning it is a character trait produced in believers by the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 list it a fruit of the Spirit, not just something you can manufacture on your own.

There are two aspects of patience that are focused on in these verses.

The first is what produces patience? It only comes from me allowing total immersion by the Holy Spirit. It is a gift from God, given by allowing the Holy Spirit to control my actions, my thoughts and my character.

The lesson is that I should only be focused on growing in my walk with God. Each morning starting the day off by walking with Him in the Garden and finishing each day off by walking with Him in the Garden. I can only hope to obtain any fruit of the Spirit by remaining in my close walk with God. The branch must stay connected to the vine to produce any character of God. The Fruit of the Spirit only comes to those that give total control to God. I can not build character on my own.

The Second aspect is patience comes from testing of my faith. These tests are a sign of God’s Love toward me. The trials are intended to purify, strengthen, and elevate me rather than punish me.

God loves me too much to leave me alone. 

“It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees”. Psalms 119:71 NIV

“Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you”. Deuteronomy 8:5 NIV

That is why James tells us to consider it pure Joy when tested. GOD LOVES YOU!

In this world today and with all that is happening. One of the greatest witnesses that we can be for God is to show and exhibit Patience. Standing in a calm manner when all around us is turmoil. When your buttons are being pushed, when all around you is chaos and seems out of control. Stand and represent your Savior with the patience and Character of God.

That is why today I am so thankful for God’s Love and Patience.  When tests came my way, there were times I failed to exhibit patience.  I got upset and reacted in a manner that did not represent God’s character. I may have reacted and said some things that were hurtful to others or not a representation of God. The Great wonder of it all is that God never lost patience in me, He just says I Love you and let’s learn from this. Then He tests me again and each time I grow a little more patient in my reaction to the tests.  When I understand that these trials and tests are because God Loves Me, then my Love for God grows in leaps and bounds.

This is a complete change from within. A transformation of the mind and heart.

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me”. Psalms 51:10 NIV

The real and greatest reason to give up control and accept the fruit of the Spirit is found in Psalms 51: 13. “Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you”.

You can change people by being a witness for God in patience!

Prayers for All.

Larry