For
you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may
receive what was promised.
Hebrews 10:36 New American Standard
Bible (NASB)
We need patient endurance. I
heard patience defined at “happy waiting.” We need to wait happily, at least
contentedly, while we endure difficult times. Why do we need patient endurance?
So that we can continue doing God’s will. It is really hard to do God’s will in
the midst of hard times if we have a bad attitude or are ready to give up. It
is really hard to do anything when we are so focused on ourselves or the
problem that we can’t or won’t see God. It makes obedience really hard, but
sometimes the hard things we go through are tests of our obedience and
willingness to follow God no matter what. I am going through that right now. I
received some devastating news last night. I’m still reeling from it and to be
honest I am still a little unsure of where to go from here. But I got up this
morning, spent a lot of time in prayer, and this was my daily verse. Trials are
hard, but if we are faithful and obedient, if we patiently endure, then we will
receive all He has promised in the end. It may not look the way we think it
will, but it will be what is best for us. That does not mean that we go through
painful things and deny the pain, or pretend that bad things are okay. Those
are neither healthy nor biblical. When we experience pain, instead of trying to
escape from it, we need to run to God, pour out our hearts, and not stop until
He gives us His peace and comfort. We need to stay at the feet of our Savior,
the only place we will find true safety. Am I happy about what’s going on?
Nope, not one bit, but I am becoming content in the place God has me because I
know He is with me, He is in control, and the promise He has given me, though I
see it dying in my hands, is safe with Him and He will resurrect it at the
right time. That quote really should read “joyful waiting” because happiness is
dependant on circumstances. Joy, on the other hand, is contentment and peace in
our relationship with God despite our circumstances. That is what we need in
trials; joyful endurance. What are you going through? Ask God to give you
joyful endurance so that you can continue in the will He has for you so that
you will receive the promise in the end.
(For more on this theme, see
the story of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22 and Hebrews 11)
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