I’d like to propose that Patient Endurance is not something we just need to think about for the year of 2024… it’s not a thing we’ll do every now and then. Although we’ve sensed the Lord highlighting it to us for this year, it’s not merely a theme or a trending phrase at Lifespring.
Patient Endurance is a way of life.
We talk a LOT about how Jesus endured the cross, right? Even here, the author of Hebrews is reminding and encouraging believers to run with endurance and to follow in the example that Christ set for us!
When we solely apply Patient Endurance to Jesus’ outlook of the cross, we’re not actually fixing our eyes on Jesus as a whole person. We’re fixing our eyes on that thing Jesus did on the cross. Which don’t get me wrong, is incredibly significant!! But I think we’ll find the Passion of the Cross and Jesus at the end of his life even more awe-inspiring when we realize patient endurance was simply knit into his entire way of life.
When we think of patient endurance as something that we’ll do for “this season” or until we can overcome a certain obstacle, we dilute the example that Christ set before us.
if we’re going to consider Patient Endurance as being a way of life, then we need to press in a little deeper and look at what Jesus did to cope, how he sustained himself in the midst of continual misunderstanding and dealing with issues that were SO far removed from the purpose of his ministry.
Jesus did not lose heart and give up! Was he frustrated at times?? 100%!
Not just with his disciples either, but with the religious leaders and the oppressive religious structures that had been created In His Name!
But instead of taking it out on them or lashing out at the ones he was closest to, he withdrew to spend time alone with God.
It was because of Jesus’ relationship with God that he was able to endure patiently!
And this example that he set for us, is what will help us learn how we endure. When we follow his example of taking time out to be with the Father, it will refresh us and strengthen us. Instead of being grumbling endure-ers, we will become beacons of God’s hope to the people around us.
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Romans 5:1-5