TODAY’S INSPIRATION:LONG-SUFFERING…

I pray for patience daily, to be honest it is something that I struggle with. Every time I think I have made progress; something happens, and I am in God’s face again asking for more patience. Sound familiar? When we think of patience, we think of the waiting. Today I had a revelation. It is not just about the waiting, but also endurance and long-suffering. Long suffering from the Greek word “makrothumia” means “long-tempered” or patience.  

“Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.” (James 5:10) NIV

Where I and many of us slip up is our stamina when it comes to patience. How long are we supposed to be patient, how long is too long? Who are we to determines how long we should be patient with a person or situation? I hate to think about what it would be like if God gave us a timeframe of how long He will be patient with us. If God’s Word told us to have patience for a few minutes with someone or gave us a timeframe in a desperate situation, we could probably manage that: but the longsuffering the Bible speaks of is a patient endurance. Our God is long-suffering.  

“The LORD is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.” (Numbers 14:18) KJV

Long-suffering means enduring injury, trouble, or provocation long and patiently. This describes Jesus perfectly, who was cruelly wronged, terribly sinned and transgressed against, and who had both the authority, the ability, and the power to avenge the wrong, but does not do it. Long-suffering is one of the fruit of the Spirit and it requires endurance and patience. Do not believe that because you are patient and long-suffering, you are weak and have to be a doormat. Actually, it makes you bold and strong in character, able to resist quick and rash decisions or allow people or situations to snatch you out of your character. Our God is the essence of patience and long-suffering, and He is by no means weak!

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,” (Galatians 5:22) KJV

“Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.” (Psalm 147:5) NIV

In our trials and tribulations where we see no end, it is not easy to be patient. And it may require long-suffering and sacrifice. However, it is a sacrifice that makes us more like Jesus, who paid the ultimate sacrifice for us. When difficult people, situations, and trials come our way, we must remember that they are going to help us reach our goal as believers, which is to become more Christ-like each day. We want to get to the point where we can patiently endure hardships for a long time without complaining or giving up. We want to face problems and trials with the confidence that we are not alone, God is always active and helping us develop and grow spiritually.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) NIV

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28) NIV

Human patience or long-suffering runs out pretty quickly when there are no visible results or end. The patience and long-suffering that the scriptures speak of requires us to allow God to work on and in us. We all are a work in progress. We cannot do it ourselves. It has to be the work of the Spirit of Christ in our lives. The Holy Spirit will put into us the long-suffering nature of God himself. We will be able to tolerate anything and do all things through Christ who will strengthen us. The key is to focus on God, not the trials. We can be patient, knowing that there is hope. Hope that God’s Words and His promises always come through in the end. Hope that whatever happens it will be for our good even if we do not understand at the time. Hope that in spite of everything God has saved us, and we have eternal life!  

“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6) NIV

“being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.” (Colossians 1:11-12) NIV

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13) NIV

The love Father God has shown us is definitely patient and long-suffering. As God has shown us, we must make every effort to do the same for others. Through our trials and tribulations, we must belong-suffering. We must keep her eyes on the Lord and not grow faint. Love and Blessings…  

“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3-4) NIV

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:30-32) NIV

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:2-3) NIV

“But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.” (1 Timothy 1:16) NIV

“Wait for the LORD; BE strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” (Psalm 27:14) NIV