Patience endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. Hebrews 10:36 NLT.
I love the book of Hebrews. The entire thing, not just Hebrews 11 or what some call “the Faith chapter”. It has taken me a few read-throughs, but it is such an encouraging book. During my current read, I came upon this section towards the end of Hebrews 10. I felt humbled and so weak and wimpy. Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering. Sometimes you were publically exposed to insult and persecution, at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. Hebrews 10: 32-34 NIV. These brethren endured a lot. Prison, insults and persecution, plus the confiscation of property were common sufferings the early Christians endured. Now you see why I feel so humbled and wimpy!
The author goes on in verse 35, so do not throw away your confidence so richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. NIV. Dear brothers and sisters, we must not give in to discouragement or lose our hope. The word Greek translated persevere here, is hupomone, it means more that endure or persevere. We aren’t supposed to “grin and bear it” but we are supposed to carry the hard things with a joyful expectation. The Spirit-filled Life Bible has some clarifying notes on this word. It describes the capacity to continue to bear up under difficult circumstances, not with a passive complacency, but with a hopeful fortitude that actively resists weariness and defeat. (Hebrews 10:36 Word Wealth, pg 1623). I don’t know about you, but I needed this reminder! The part that speaks to me is the ability to actively resist weariness and defeat. Sometimes, I just want to give in to it. How about you? But then I have to stir myself up, repent and ask for His help, anyway!
So what does active resisting of weariness look like? James 1:3 has a key. Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. ESV. We have a choice. Do we sit and complain? Or do we begin to rejoice and worship knowing God is working on our behalf? I think active resisting weariness is asking for His strength to become our strength no matter how weak we may be feeling. This is especially important when various trials are ongoing. If you are facing one of these trials or are walking through with a friend, I advise you to take time to refresh yourself. One of the keys to enduring trials with hupomone, is doing it in community with others. We also need to remind ourselves that this “light affliction, which is but for a moment is working for us a far more and exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 2 Corinthians 4:16 NKJV. My friends, this world really is our temporary home. Going back to verse 33, they accepted the confiscation of their property joyfully because they were aware of their true treasure, Jesus Christ, and His salvation. Friends, no matter what you are going through, you can make it! You have the best treasure ever, the Son of God as Your Savior! Remember to bring Him into your trials so you can experience the fellowship of his sufferings. (Philippians 3:10).
Father, I ask that you show us how to actively resist weariness and defeat in our lives. I thank you for working in us to will and do your will as we submit to you and your ways. We choose today to follow you with patient endurance, knowing your ways are better than our ways. Teach us dear Lord, about hupomone, we need it! In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Faith Encounters 