HOW CAN YOU GET TO THE PLACE WHERE YOU ARE REJOICING IN YOUR SUFFERING? Part 1 -{PERSEVERANCE}-
{Read Romans 5:3-5}
THE WORD “REJOICING, EXULTING” IN THEM, IS LITERALLY “BOASTING OR GLORYING…” REJOICE… CONFIDENT JOY
We can Get There “Because …”
- We are “FULLY AWARE” of what God is doing… shaping our character to conform and develop Christ-likeness in us and in this passage HE is doing it through… 4 Things…He is…
- Producing Perseverance in us –
Some translations say “patience.” The Greek word literally means, “To Abide under, to remain under pressure.”The Greek word,” hypomone” speaks of steadfastness, endurance, and constancy.
“Hupomone” is the ability to keep working, and keep going in the face of great opposition and obstacles. It speaks of someone who is under a great load and yet continues on, it describes the character of one who will not or does not allow a person to surrender to difficult circumstances and trials. It has a forward look, like the LORD Jesus, “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author, and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”-{Hebrews 12:2}. The future Joy encouraged Him to “endure.”
“Hupomone” is also translated “patience,” and describes a person who bears up or remains under trials in a God-honoring way. There is a triumph to it “knowing” that God is at work producing a Godly character trait. It perseveres and will not give up or quit, and does this with a triumphant hope-filled attitude. It deals triumphantly in whatever trials or life bring to the person. The person doesn’t quit, they keep on going. They have not turned aside by suffering, or tribulations but continue on…consistently and persistently so.
It’s been said that the one who perseveres uses suffering, and tribulation as stepping stones!
You need perseverance when you are under pressure, or distressed.
“Perseverance” keeps on going, like the advertisement for “The Energizer Bunny” that keeps going and going and going using a certain battery. Perseverance doesn’t quit. It doesn’t panic, it keeps going. Steadily. Assuredly. And with each new trial, trouble, and pressure, you can build on it as you look back and see His faithfulness to empower you to THINK right and do Right and keep on going! Perseverance, persistence, a lifestyle of continuing on…staying power!
The words, Endurance, and Perseverance, are interchangeable.
“You need to persevere{endure} so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.”-{Heb 10:36}
” Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.“-{James 1:2-3}.
“being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, “-{Col 1:11}
“Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus,”-{Rom 15:5}
“Endure suffering with me as a good soldier…” -{ 2 Timothy 23}
He is not out to destroy you but to develop you spiritually and put Himself on display to and through you as He transforms you more and more into the image of Christ in your thinking, desires, and doing!
God uses Suffering and tribulations to produce what? “Perseverance!” You need trouble to develop perseverance!
God bless,
Aidan