Endurance

Patience is one of those words that many of us would agree we could use a greater measure in our lives.

2 Timothy 2:3-7 gives a wonderful illustration of patience using the example of the solider, the athlete, and the farmer. The word "endure" in verse 3 means to "suffer hardship or to be afflicted". Considering our American culture of comfort and convenience, we rather avoid or hide from any suffering or affliction.

The solider endures rigorous training so he or she is successful in serving their commanding officer. To endure means securing a victory on the battlefield. It also means coming home alive.

For the athlete, training and learning to play by the rules means garnishing an award. An athlete can train successfully; however, if he or she cheats by taking steroids or defraud their opponent by some other means, they are disqualified.

And the farmer, must work long hours and in all types of weather to cultivate the ground, plant and harvest the crops before enjoying the bounty in the right season.

Patience pays off in the end, but impatience will leaves us coming up short. My prayer is not just to learn to be patient, but to "endure hardness" (using the King James version), so God's character is forged deep in my spirit.

So whatever the dreams or desires God has given to me, undergoing training to receive and stand in that blessing, will be worth the wait!