THE SCOPE OF PATIENCE

"For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise." (Hebrews 10:36)

THE WORD "PATIENCE," or "perseverance," comes from a word meaning "cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy – enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting)." A number of marvelous things are seen in this academic definition.

CHEERFUL HOPE. First, endurance, or perseverance is associated with a cheerful hope. There is an expectancy of good things. The race may be tedious, but a wonderful outcome is expected.

OF OLD TIME, Israel languished in captivity, hanging their harps on the willow trees and refusing to sing the songs of Zion. As it is written, "By the rivers of Babylon-- there we sat down and there we wept when we remembered Zion. On the willows there we hung up our harps. For there our captors asked us for songs, and our tormentors asked for mirth, saying, 'Sing us one of the songs of Zion!' How could we sing the Lord's song in a foreign land?" (Psalm 137:1-3, NRSV).

WITHOUT DIMINISHING THE GRIEF of the ancient people, it should be remembered that we have a superior covenant. We are actually prompted by our alien environment to sing the Lord's songs! That is because our primary blessing is in the future. It not only consists of what we have already received, but what we will obtain in the future as well! In fact, the bulk of our salvation is yet to come. Thus, Paul and Silas could sing in prison (Acts 16:25), the Apostles could rejoice they were "counted worthy to suffer shame for His name" (Acts 5:41), and Paul could glory in infirmities and weaknesses (2 Cor 11:30; 2 Cor 12:5,7).

CONSISTENCY. Second, perseverance is marked by consistency, or constancy. Unlike the effects of Sinaitic Law, faithfulness in Christ is not by fits and starts. An excursion through the book of Judges will confirm the inability of a Law-system to produce spiritual consistency. Those who must be regulated by Law are easily distracted to the unlawful. Their hearts are not strong enough to remain in the path of blessing. Because "the law is not based on faith" (Gal 3:12), it cannot produce an unwavering effort for God. Of old time, there were some who maintained a faithful walk with God. The list, not impressive because of its size, included men like Abraham, Moses, David, and the holy prophets. These people, however, did not live by the principle of law, but by the law of faith (Heb 11)!

THE NEW COVENANT PERSON continues to trust the Lord when times are relatively easy, or when they are exceedingly difficult. As Paul expressed it, "I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me" (Phil 4:12-13, NRSV). That marvelous condition is the heritage of every person in Christ Jesus.

IT IS UNFORTUNATE that much of what is called "Christianity" today is characterized by inconsistency. Highly polished professionals have carved out careers for themselves by offering remedies for inactivity. They know how to generate hype and surface enthusiasm – but their programs cannot sustain "excitement" or generate consistency. Only the endurance that comes from faith can produce this spiritual quality.

IT IS ESSENTIAL TO REMEMBER that consistency is not a luxury, or even an option. Without it, the individual cannot be saved! God is consistent in all of His ways and works. Christ Jesus is consistent in His total ministry. The Holy Spirit is consistent in His redemptive role. Angelic hosts are consistent in their commissioned ministry to the saints. It is inconceivable that inconsistency could be welcomed into such an environment!

WAITING. Third, the element of "waiting" is found in perseverance. Here the Scripture is fulfilled. "Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary" (Isa 40:31, NASB). Observe the total absence of failure in this affirmation. The sure way to strength is waiting on the Lord! This also involves persistence. As the Psalmist said elsewhere, "I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, and heard my cry" (Psa 40:1). It is not possible to "wait for the Lord" and be disappointed (Isa 49:23)! Those who "wait on the Lord" are always pleased with the outcome.

WAITING IS NOT IDLENESS, it is trust! It is optimistic dependency. This is the channel through which Divine strength is ministered to us. As our stamina begins to wane, His power is given to us. Divine enablement is provided for finishing the race that is set before us. When faith grasps this reality, the individual is willing to "wait upon the Lord." He is unwilling to proceed without the Lord. Without exception, the one who "waits" on the Lord is enabled to navigate where mere mortals fail!

– Given O. Blakely