RHAPSODY OF REALITIES
SUNDAY, APRIL 6TH,2014.
PATIENCE: ENDURING HARDNESS WITH
HOPE
*PASTOR ANITA*
Thou therefore endure hardness, as a
good soldier of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy
2:3).
Patience is one of those virtues the Bible
admonishes us to add to our faith: “And
beside this, giving all diligence, add to
your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
And to knowledge temperance; and to
temperance patience; and to patience
godliness” (2 Peter 1:5-6). When you
study some of the translations of the
Bible, you’ll find different words
translated as patience.However, the best
synonym that describes patience in the
verse above “endurance”; the ability to
endure hardship with hope. This means
you’re able to face any opposition and
remain undaunted, knowing that there’s
only one outcome: victory for you!
Proverbs 24:10 admonishes us against
giving up or giving in, in the day of
adversity; rather, we’re to keep our heads
high up, declaring, “In all these things,
we’re more than conquerors.”
Maybe you’re at the beginning stages of
developing your faith, and things may be
looking tough and very challenging, have
confidence in the Word. Be patient and
give the Word time to work in your life
and in your circumstances. Endure. Stick
fast to what you believe!
That situation is for your testimony!
There’re people who don’t know how to
stick with what they believe. For
example, once they’re criticized for their
faith, they tend to be discouraged; that’s
wrong! Endure such criticisms, for they’re
designed for your promotion. Don’t hide
your Bible just because someone made
fun of you at work. Don’t stop winning
souls.Learn to endure hardship with
hope.
Patience without hope is useless. Be
hopeful of a better and brighter day
ahead; therefore, being a victor in Christ
Jesus, you create that picture in your
mind—a picture of victory.
PRAYER:
Dear Father, I thank you for the
extraordinary life you’ve given me in
Christ Jesus—a life of excellence,domi
nion and power! No contrary wind is
fierce enough to shift my gaze and faith
off your Word, for I know that I’m
destined to reign, win and excel,
irrespective, and independent, of negative
circumstances, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Galatians 5:22 (KJV)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,
peace, longsuffering, gentleness,
goodness, faith,
(CEV) God's Spirit makes us loving, happy,
peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful,
New Living Translation (NLT)
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind
of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
(AMP)
22 But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the
work which His presence within
accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness),
peace, patience (an even temper,
forbearance), kindness, goodness
(benevolence), faithfulness,
Hebrews 10:35-36(KJV)
35 Cast not away therefore your
confidence, which hath great recompence
of reward.
36 For ye have need of patience, that,
after ye have done the will of God, ye
might receive the promise.
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
35 Keep on being brave! It will bring you
great rewards.
36 Learn to be patient, so that you will
please God and be given what he has
promise
(NLT)
35 So do not throw away this confident
trust in the Lord. Remember the great
reward it brings you!
36 Patient 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.
(AMP)
Do not, therefore, fling away your fearless
confidence, for it carries a great and
glorious
compensation of reward. 36 For you have
need
of steadfast patience and endurance, so
that you may perform and fully
accomplish the will of God, and thus
receive and carry away [and enjoy to the
full] what is promised.
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 11:1-13;
Judges 1-2
2 Year Bible Reading Plan:
Romans 8:1-11;
Psalm 109

Amen