Photo: © wonderous light - Fotolia.com

For you have need of patience, so that after you have done the will of God you might receive the promise. For “yet a little while, and He who shall come will come and will not delay.” Now, “the Just shall live by faith. But if he draws back, My soul shall have no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those withdrawing to destruction, but of those who believe to the preserving of the soul. (Heb. 10:36-39 MKJV)

The underlying Greek word for “patience” in Hebrews 10:36, is hupomone (hoop-om-on-ay’). The meaning of this word isn’t so simply summed up in the word patience. It’s not just having the ability to tolerate bad things or to endure until you get what you want, but to remain hopeful/cheerful, even in the midst of severe situations where the quality of one’s life is threatened or challenged to the extreme. To those of us who believe in the gospel, it would mean we’re not just waiting for Jesus’ return, but that we’re also actively involved in following His example during the wait.

To find pleasure in right doing without making moral compromises under pressure is to understand hupomone. You can’t grow spiritually without suffering opposition. Remember, Jesus said the world would hate us (see John 15:18-20). If you’re not experiencing any of this, it’s a strong indicator that you’re not openly expressing your love for God. For no one could live a godly life in a world that hates God without being persecuted for it (see 2 Timothy 3:12), nor could anyone know what it means to walk with Christ except by living in obedience to the Father’s will (see John 13:34-35; Revelation 14:12).

Indeed, you will face opposition throughout your journey with Christ, but you won’t face it alone. God will equip you with strength to endure it. But if you give up, you’ll never discover what happiness means. Remember, “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 Jn. 4:4b NASB). Ask God to give you wisdom to discern the truth as it is in Jesus, and strength to live by that truth, and you will experience hupomone!

Post by Chris Esty

+Chris Esty is an Inspirational Writer, Photographer, and the Founder of The Bible Post ministry. Listen to his testimony Here