Ladies Corner
Patience is Persistent Endurance
For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (Hebrews 6:10-12)
There are many aspects and seasons of our lives where daily tasks could become routine and mundane making us feel sluggish. There may be circumstances that test and try, leaving us ragged and worn out. We all have internal battles and temptations that never seem to ease, struggles that often seem to have no end. Whether it be the single woman struggling to be accountable to herself, the new mother sleep deprived from 3 AM feedings, the daughter now caring for her elderly mother with dementia, being diagnosed with a serious disease, or the wife who struggles to submit her will and show her husband respect. We all deal with circumstances and internal situations that test our resolve and our patience.
My oldest daughter is 4 and is already proving her patience to be thin (as with just about any other 4 year old). I’m teaching her to fold clothes, but not only that, to be happy to help Mommy fold clothes. She is quick to fling herself to the floor and melt into a puddle of fussy tears if the pants are not completely flat before she begins to fold them or if she has no idea how to fold the hood on her shirt. She insists that it’s too hard, it takes too long, she cannot figure it out, and she can’t do it just like Momma. She is not patient with herself to practice and be persistent in learning. I will admit these fits of frustration on her part kindle my own internal fits. Why can’t she stay calm and let me explain and help if needed? But I do my best to be patient with her because she is 4 and is learning, and be persistent in teaching her to help in our home. The better part of me knows that this training will yield a child ready and able to help one day, and later on a servant in the kingdom.
Sometimes as adults, we throw ourselves onto the proverbial floor of life, tears flowing, ready to give up because the things of our life are taking longer than we think they should or are not going the way we expect them to, and it’s just too hard to go on. How often do we need patience with ourselves? Many times we just need some endurance to see us through the struggle. I fully admit that there are situations and seasons of life that are much more difficult and trying than a 4 year old learning to fold clothes, but God desires us to be diligent, patient, and trusting in His promises in everything we face. James 5:7-8 says, “Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”
There are times we may feel our work is lowly and repetitious. When we feel undervalued we often become discouraged in our efforts, which creates tribulation within ourselves - but to God our lives and work as women are anything but menial. When we serve our family, home, and fellow saints, we honor the roles God has given us. Even the smallest tasks have worth when done faithfully because it is the work the Lord has given you to do. Romans 2:6-7 tells us that God “‘will render to each one according to his deeds’: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality…”
So when life feels like chore, when our work seems insignificant, when suffering seems to come without end - what do we do? How do we endure?
Hope. We carry on because of hope.
Romans 8:24 ...but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
Hope is key to being patient in this life. I can endure anything Satan throws at me because I have hope in God’s promises and His justice. Patience and hope go hand in hand. We patiently endure because we have persistent hope. Romans 5:3 says, “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
Romans 12:9-18 is a wonderful bullet list-type passage that lays out the characteristics of a Christian life. As women we can see direct application to each point in the context of our service.
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
In the middle of this passage Paul writes, “ ...not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation…” (verses 11-12). It’s normal to become burned out and discouraged. That is why Paul encourages us in the midst of it all to not trail behind, have patience and rejoice in the hope that has been given to us.
I am patient and persistent with the training of my children because I have hope it will produce godly young adults. I am patient and forgiving in my marriage because I have hope that it will produce a lifelong, joyful union. I serve and love my fellow saints because I have hope in our eternal life together. I am patient with this life and all its tribulations because I know that if I endure, my hope of a resurrected body and life with Christ are sure.
Let me encourage you in the season of life you find yourself in. If you’re in the single season, don’t let your hands be idle; there is so much work to do. You may be patiently waiting for a husband and children, but as you wait, work for the Lord and serve His children. As a young mother there may be days you don’t get out of the house, let alone get fully dressed. That’s ok. You have little hearts you are rocking, feeding and training for God’s kingdom. Your work is important - be patient and endure. If your nest is empty, please don’t be overcome with loneliness. You have been given a season to see the fruits of your labor and enjoy them. Now you’re available to care for the saints in ways others can’t. Continue to be patient because you are well aware of the rewards of endurance. If you’re in the midst of internal struggle and turmoil, take courage because you are not alone and this will pass. It’s hard to be patient when you’re in the midst of trials and suffering, but there is hope and it will see you through. A brother who is much wiser than me once said, “Patience is persistent endurance.” How true!
Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For, “Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” (Hebrews 10:35-39)
But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
In whatever circumstance you find yourself in, please, do not shrink back and be destroyed. There is satisfaction in completing our work. There is growth and joy when we persevere and find ourselves on the other side of our struggles. More than all of that, the Lord is preparing a great reward for our faithfulness.
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)
