elle kynzer

Patience, Just What Is That?



Posted: Saturday, September 06, 2008

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Let's talk about something we all think we need more of, and that is patience. Have you ever prayed for patience? Big mistake, because in the book of James Chapter 1:2-4 it says that "Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience." (KJV) In the NIV translation the word patience is interchangable with perseverance. Do you need any more problems than you already have? Probably not. No sense praying for suffering. Perseverence can be developed by a decision of your will, to be steadfast and hold on. What perseverance does is it develops a maturity in your faith, so that we lack nothing to succeed in our walk with Christ. The next few verses in James warn of being double-minded, for that negates our receiving from God. The book of James is the practical in learning to know what God requires of us, and how to find true religion (or real christianity).

Now those who are fast, and make decisions on the fly, are not operating in patience. In fact, some of the worst decisions I ever made were those not covered in prayer, patience, and waiting on the Lord. During the earlier christian years, it was not easy to slow down. If you have trouble making the adjustment, then sometimes the adjustment is made for you. Many have been laid up flat on their back, and having to stare at the ceiling for months on end,as that provides a new look at slowing down. That's not to say all who have accidents are in that situation. If we are moving too fast, then we can miss God, for he is not in a hurry. God's timing is right, and we usually think he is late or not coming; however, we are the problem. God does not work on our timetable. Speed is not the issue in this race, but obedience is. It is better to do one thing right, than many things haphazardly.

We are in a race, in Hebrews 12:1 the word says "let us run with perseverance", and why should we do that? So that we will not grow weary and lose heart. By fixing our eyes on Jesus, it says, we can endure the opposition from sinful men. All of that is paraphrased from verses 1-3. In Romans 5:4 it says "tribulation worketh patience" (KJV) However, it is more clearly stated in the NIV, which is known as the closest translation from the original Hebrew and Greek. It shows the result of the suffering. "You see suffering produces perseverance and character, and character, hope."

As we struggle, it is the hope which comes from a change in our character, by the perseverance learned through suffering, that gives us success in the race. What race? The race for the completion of our salvation through holiness and dedication to Christ. Our faith is strengthened, because "faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not yet seen". In Luke 21:19 it is clearer, "by standing firm you will gain life".It is the life promised from the scripture "Jesus came to give us life and it more abundanty". The abundant life lived in holiness becomes eternal life.

To give an example of the patient christian, just look at a mother who takes the time to read to her child. She spends endless hours teaching the child to read, and she never tires, or irritable when mistakes are made. She isn't in a hurry to get the child out of her way, so she can do her own thing. The same is true of the son, whose father takes time to teach him about cars, or a particular hobby. This Dad knows that this age will soon pass, and the boy will be grown. Memories made during the formative years last a lifetime. Will they remember picnics, ballgames and reading together, or will they remember being pushed aside for friends, golf, or some other activity from which they were excluded. Patience or perseverance is holding on, sticking with it, and making it work. Will your children remember being cast aside in pursuit of more selfish ambitions? Patience or perserverence, just what is that? It's the key to running a christian race to the end without regrets.

Elle Kynzer was born in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, and grew up in a rural area, as an only child. She is married with one son, and two grandsons.

She was a Personnel Assistant in her early twenties, and began hiring employees for the company. By her early thirties she had returned to NC, and became an Executive Officer in Real Estate. She also served as part-time USNR for many years.

Elle went back to college at WCU, then went on to teach Criminal Justice for a local Community College, in the local High Schools/college credit.

Elle Kynzer, Author:

E Books:

Non Fiction: EXONERATED-Nancy Hanks Lincoln/mother to Pres Abraham Lincoln; Fiction Mystery: BLOODY CLOTHES ON THE INTERSTATE;UNDER MURKY WATERS.

Poetry: A WINDING RIVER; Paranormal: TRAMPLING ON JUSTICE; Christian: REFLECTIONS OF GRACE See Amazon.com; Smashwords, or visit my blog for descriptions/prices.

Her blog http://ellekynzer.blogspot.com/

Article/Contact Info: kookyville1@yahoo.com
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