To Persevere with Patience

PATIENCE - an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance, misfortune, or pain without complaint or loss of temper.


PERSEVERANCE - steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state,etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.


When chasing a dream, working towards a goal, or just simply dealing with life's twists and turns these two attributes go hand-in-hand. The Bible states in James 2:17 "even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone."  If we sit idly and expect to accomplish anything, disappointment is inevitable!!! Likewise, if we are head strong, determined and willingly give 110% effort but do not have the PATIENCE to be steadfast towards one goal we will quickly see ourselves fall victim to discouragement and find it difficult to stay on target. We will end up jumping from one thing to the next as soon as the speed of our progression slows down. The old cliche' "PATIENCE is a virtue" still holds true today. It is required in every aspect of our lives. From work to dealing with our children to waiting for the traffic light to change, it requires PATIENCE. Sayings become cliche' for a reason..... because they work. We must also understand that the foundation of PATIENCE is PERSEVERANCE.  According to Romans 5:3-4 "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh PATIENCE; and PATIENCE, experience; and experience, hope." What this is saying is that when we hold steadfast to our journey and stick to our guns, not only do we make progress, but we also build PATIENCE. It is in these situations that we learn to not let our circumstances determine our attitude. One of my closest friends told me not long ago that "only thinking about right now never gets you past right here!" It is our ability to see the light at the end of the tunnel that builds hope for tomorrow. My father often tells me stories of his childhood growing up in a poor family and also his struggles as an adult after losing his leg to diabetes. His catch phrase (well actually one of many LOL) was "if I hold on until tomorrow it has to be a brighter day." He emphasizes the fact that it took a lot of tomorrows before things got better but they eventually did. His PERSEVERANCE led to him toughening up, as we all will in time. PATIENCE that is groomed through PERSEVERING and overcoming obstacles builds confidence, not only in ourselves, but in God's plan for our lives. Through PERSEVERANCE and PATIENCE we are afforded the opportunity to witness our true strength.  So let him with the mind to PERSEVERE and the heart to do so PATIENTLY take solace in the dawning of a new day with new life and opportunity.