Patient Endurance

Sometimes we find ourselves in a trial of waiting and wonder if the Lord has forgotten about His dreams for us.  The waiting is a trial meant to produce endurance.  It is not the same as the hour of trial that will come on the whole world.

"Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth." (Rev 3:10)

Many scriptures tell us that patience is necessary to develop our character .  Like those before us, we wait for that which is eternal (Heb 11:10 & 16).  However, all that the worldly set their hearts on is not meant to last, and will be shaken and fall eventually (Heb 12:27).  Waiting may cause disappointment, and suffering, but God has good in mind for us.

God is letting us wait.  While we patiently endure, we are learning to set our hearts on those things which cannot be shaken.  If the worldly endure, it is only for what they can gain in this life.

This trial of patient waiting will case some Christians to find that they have one foot in the world and one foot in the Kingdom of God.  Do not despise the waiting; let patience have her perfect work.  God will not forget any of us.  God lets waiting discipline us, but only so that we will partake of His nature.

"God disciplines us for our good, so that we might share in His holiness." (Heb 12:10).

It is by escaping worldliness that we partake in His nature (2 Pet 1:4).  At the end of our trial of we will find that our patient endurance has molded us into those with whom God Himself walks alongside, in fellowship and communication.  Today, when trials seem to demand that we do not wait, let us endure hardship so that we may be called sons and daughters of God.  Amen.