Tag: hupomone

Romans 12:12 – Guided Journey

Posted on by Will

rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;

Truth to Learn

Hope, patience, and steadfastness can be ours in Christ.

 

Behind the Words

“Rejoicing” is translated from chairontes, meaning “to be full of cheer,” or “to be calmly happy.”

The word “hope” is from elpis, which means, “an earnest desire, and the expectation of obtaining the object of that desire.” It is not an uncertainty that we hope will come to pass; it implies a clear expectation that it will happen.

The word translated “affliction” is a form of the Greek word thlipsis, meaning “to press, squeeze, or crush.” It refers to those times when we are under pressure or affliction.

“Patient” is from a form of hupomonē, which is made up of hupo, meaning “under or beneath” and a form of menō, which means “to remain.” So literally it means “to remain under.”

The word translated “continuing steadfastly” is proskartereō. This is made up of pros, meaning “to or towards” and kartereō, meaning “to endure.” It literally means “to stay where you are.” As Paul uses it here, it means “to stay in an attitude and practice of prayer.”

 

Meaning Explained

Like the previous verse, Christians are told how to behave in life. Paul starts off with “rejoicing in hope.” We have a hope of eternal glory that the unsaved don’t have. We know that there is a future state in which we will live with our Savior, where there will be no more tears, pain, or suffering. It is this future hope of glory that Paul reminds us of, telling us to rejoice in hope.

Paul’s next admonition is to be “patient in tribulation.” When we are under pressure or affliction, we want to take matters into our own hands, causing us to respond inappropriately. Instead, we need to “remain under control” or “remain under the authority and leadership of our Lord.” We need to remain submitted to Him and committed to doing His will, not our own.

Finally, Paul tells us we need to be “continuing steadfastly in prayer.” No matter what happens, whether in good times or bad, whether in sickness or health, whether in joy or in sorrow, we need to consistently be in the attitude and practice of prayer with our God.

God does not intend for our Christian lives to be ones in which we are on a journey by ourselves calling upon our Father whenever we have troubles. Instead, He wants us to be on a journey with Him as our constant companion and guide, talking (praying) about everything with Him as we experience it; asking questions as we go, sharing our joys with Him, and seeking comfort in our sorrows. This is the kind of personal relationship God wants with each one of us, and it involves a LOT of prayer.

 

Application

How is your journey in life going? Perhaps your path is rocky and difficult right now. Are you patiently enduring it? Are you going it alone, or do you have your guide walking with you and leading the way? And, are you carrying on a constant conversation with your guide?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 8:25 – Patience and Perseverance

Posted on by Will

But if we hope for what we do not see, through patience we eagerly wait for it.

Truth to Learn

We patiently endure our trials through faith in God’s promise.

 

Behind the Words

The words “eagerly wait for” are translated from the Greek word apekdechomai. This is a double compound word made up of apo, meaning “from” but used here as an intensifier, ek which means “out” or “out of,” and deckomai, which means “to receive.” Hence, apokdechomai means “to eagerly or earnestly expect that something is going to be received.”

“Patience” is from hupomonē, which is made up of hupo (or hypo), meaning “under or beneath” and a form of menō, which means “to stay or to remain.” It is a picture of a beast of burden who, when loaded with a heavy burden, remains under the load. That is, he perseveres under the load with patience.

 

Meaning Explained

In yesterday’s verse we spoke about the word “hope” being not just an earnest desire but also the expectation that the object of the desire will come to pass. Paul said that our salvation, which in God’s record book has already taken place, is manifest to us with the full expectation that it will be consummated at the end of these last times. But he also makes another statement about this salvation in hope. It is not seen and it is not fully obtained now. If we have something that we can see and touch, then there is no hope, or expectation of it because it is already here.

Now allow me to open up the word elpis a little more. It is often translated as “hope,” but it is also frequently translated as “faith.” In the first part of the previous verse Paul said that “we are saved by (or in) faith (hope).” In Ephesians 2:8 Paul said “For by grace you are saved through faith.” It is this faith, this hope, this belief that God will do what he promised He would do at the end of the age that allows us to persevere. Faith is the instrument as well as evidence of our salvation.

We have to accept God’s promise on faith alone, because we don’t have visible, concrete proof of it right now. All we have is the promise and the seal of that promise in the form of the Holy Spirit living in us, and even He (the Holy Spirit) is unseen and untouchable for now.

In today’s verse Paul says that if we have faith (hope) in God’s promise, then we can eagerly wait for it with patience, knowing in our innermost parts that God will do for us just as He promised. There are some today who insist on concrete proof for everything. They will never be saved because we are saved through faith, not through proof. That’s why we as Christians often say that “believing is seeing,” not “seeing is believing.”

 

Application

In verse eighteen Paul said our current sufferings are not even worthy of comparison to the glory that will be revealed in us. Now he has shown us that through genuine faith we can endure these sufferings because we have faith that it will be over some day and we will receive the richest blessings of God when our salvation is consummated. I think it’s time for a prayer of thanksgiving, don’t you?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 5:3 – Joyful Tribulation

Posted on by Will

And not only that, but we also rejoice in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;

Truth to Learn

We also rejoice in difficult times because these are the times when we learn to endure hardship.

 

Behind the Words

The Greek word that is translated “rejoice” in the current verse is the word kauchomai, which means “to boast (either in a good or a bad sense)” or “to rejoice.” In some translations it is written as “glory.” However, in the previous verse the word translated “glory” is a different Greek word. It is the word doxes, which primarily means “thought or opinion, especially favorable human opinion,” and thus in a secondary sense “reputation, praise or honor.” But the word in the previous verse that is translated “rejoice” is kauchomai, as it is here. Therefore, to be consistent in our translation, we see that the word which some translations have as “glory” in the current verse should be translated “rejoice.”

“Tribulations” is translated from thlipsis, which is derived from the verb thlibō, meaning “to crush, compress, or squeeze.” Hence, we can see that thlipsis refers to “pressure, affliction, distress, or tribulation.”

The word translated “perseverance” is hupomonē, which is made up of hupo (or hypo), meaning “under or beneath” and a form of menō, which means “to stay or to remain.” It is a picture of a beast of burden who, when loaded with a heavy burden, remains under the load. That is, he perseveres under the load with patience.

 

Meaning Explained

Paul now tells us that not only do we rejoice in our confident expectation of standing in the glory of God one day, but we also rejoice in afflictions.

But that doesn’t make sense, does it? When we are in the midst of tribulation, do we feel like rejoicing? No! But Paul says that we should. Why? Because when we are undergoing trials and tribulations and we realize that Jesus went through even greater trials and tribulation (leading up to and while on the cross), we can identify with Him and gain some comfort in the fact that He knows what we are going through. This, then, helps us endure the tribulation, and by enduring it we learn patience.

Patience is one of those things that everyone wants to have without having to earn it. Unfortunately, though, patience can only be learned and fully developed under trying circumstances, and even then only by trusting in God to carry us through. James teaches us a very similar thing regarding trials which test our faith:

My brothers, consider it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the proving of your faith brings about patience. (James 1:2-3)

The word translated “patience” in James’ letter is the same word as the one translated “perseverance” in today’s verse.

 

Application

Beware of asking God for patience unless you’re really serious. God may very well give it to you by giving you trying or distressing situations through which you will develop patience, if you remain under the load.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 2:7 – Continual Good Works

Posted on by Will

eternal life to those who with patience in doing good seeking glory, honor, and immortality;

Truth to Learn

We are to be continually doing good works for God.

 

Behind the Words

There are two Greek words, men and de, which are not often translated. They are used together to indicate a comparative contrast between two things. When used in this manner they can be roughly translated as men = “on the one hand” and de = “on the other hand.” The word men appears in this verse and the word de appears in the next verse. Hence, Paul is contrasting these two groups of people.

The word translated “patience” is hupomonē, which is made up of hupo, meaning “under” and a form of menō, meaning “to remain.” Hence, it literally means “to remain under.” It is a picture of a beast of burden which chooses to remain under a heavy load rather than rebelling and shaking off the heavy load.

 

Meaning Explained

Abraham, though not righteous in himself, was declared righteous when he believed God (see Genesis 15:6). Paul will talk more about Abraham’s faith in the coming chapters of Romans. The important thing to note is that Abraham did not earn his righteousness, it was declared so by God when Abraham believed. It is the same with us. When we believed the message that we are sinners deserving of death and that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay for our sins, God declared us righteous. The second chapter of Ephesians declares that as a result of this salvation by grace, through faith, we will produce good works which God before ordained for us to do.

This is all necessary background to understanding today’s verse. You see, today’s verse does not refer to the same judgment event as the previous verse (or the following verse). This verse is referring to the Bema Seat Judgment at which all believers will appear. It is a judgment where we will receive rewards for the righteous works we have done since salvation. These works did not earn us our salvation, they are the evidence of our salvation.

In the previous verse Paul told us that the Great Judge "will render to each one according to his deeds." Now he tells us what will be handed out to these two contrasting groups of people. In today’s verse he talks about those who patiently continue to do good, who are seeking glory, honor and immortality. That pretty much describes a committed Christian, and today’s verse tells us what they will get – eternal life. In the next verse he will tell us what the other group of people will get.

Remember that Paul is contrasting the wicked and the righteous. He is not giving a treatise on faith verses works (he will get into that later in the letter.) The point he is making is that the saved will get eternal life, while the wicked unrighteous ones will get something entirely different.

 

Application

As born-again Christians, God expects us to be doing good works that will build up the body of Christ. At the end of this life He will reward us for these faithful works. Will your works for the body of Christ be worthy of reward?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

2 Peter 1:6 – Self-control, Perseverance, & Godliness

Posted on by Will

and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;

Truth to Learn

With hard work we can develop a more Christ-like character.

 

Behind the Words

The word translated “self-control” (‘temperance” in some translations) is engkratia. This is a compound word made up of en, meaning “in” and a form of kratos, meaning “power or strength.” Some, today, equate this with refraining from the use of alcoholic beverages. That is not specifically what this word means. It refers to the ability to have “inward control.” In other words, controlling ourselves in whatever we allow ourselves to do in the sight of God.

“Perseverance” is translated from the Greek word hupomonē. This also is a compound word that is made up of hupo (or hypo), meaning “under” and meno, which means “to abide” or “to remain.” This is a picture of a beast of burden that remains under a load in spite of the weight.

The word “godliness” is from the Greek word eusebeia. This is another compound word made up or eu meaning “good” and a form of sebomai, which means “to worship” or “to revere.” Hence, eusebeia refers to a person who is devout, pious, and fully committed to God.

 

Meaning Explained

Continuing on from the last verse, you will remember that Peter is admonishing us to apply all diligence, that is to work hard and work consistently, to developing certain qualities or characteristics in our Christian faith. In the last verse we were told to increase in morality and knowledge (of God and what He has done for us). In today’s verse Peter adds three more things that we are to work hard at developing in ourselves. Let’s look at these three things.

The first of these is self-control. I like the way that Adam Clarke described this word:

It is a proper and limited use of all earthly enjoyments, keeping every sense under proper restraints, and never permitting the animal part to subjugate the rational.

The second thing we are told to develop in today’s verse is perseverance. As we develop self-control, the temptation or pressure lasts longer and we need to continue to endure it, to persevere. Like a beast of burden, we are to remain under whatever load God has placed on us without complaining. It means patience or endurance with regard to situations or circumstances, not letting yourself lose control or lose faith.

The third thing we are to develop is godliness. As we learn to persevere, we experience more of the unfaltering love that God has for us. From this personal experience we become more devout and committed to Him. This godliness refers not just to the outward show of piety, but loving and magnifying God in our hearts. This godliness begins on the inside with a deepened, total commitment to God and then evidences itself in all of our deeds and actions.

 

Application

Self-control, perseverance, and godliness are three essential parts of any Christian’s character. And, they come not by simply letting them happen, but by diligent, hard work.

Are you up to the challenge?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

2 Thessalonians 3:5 – Our Heavenly Guide

Posted on by Will

Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.

Truth to Learn

As you travel through this life, follow God’s directions.

 

Behind the Words

“Direct” is translated from the Greek verb kateuthenō. This is a compound word made up of kata, used as an intensifier and euthunō, which means “to make straight.” This is a nautical term which means “to steer a ship in the proper direction.” It is expressed here in the optative mood, indicating action that may or may not be occurring currently, but that could occur.

The word translated “love” is agapē, which refers to the kind of self-sacrificing love that is part of God’s very nature.

“Patience” is from the word hupomone, which is made up of hupo, meaning “under” or “beneath” and a form of the verb menō, meaning “to remain” or “to stay in place.” It is a picture of a beast of burden remaining under a heavy load instead of shaking it off. It is often translated as “patience” or “steadfastness.”

 

Meaning Explained

Throughout this Bible study series we have been highlighting the fact that the Christian life is a journey. It’s a journey along the pathway of life, full of twists and turns, rocky places and smooth places, steep hills and peaceful valleys, firm ground and slippery, mucky ground. There are also many places where the pathway splits, presenting us multiple options for which way to go. Throughout our travels, the most comforting and reassuring fact is that we are not on this journey alone. We have a Guide who has walked these paths before, a Comforter and Encourager who knows where every path leads, who knows what pitfalls are coming long before we fall into them. The best thing of all is the fact that our guide wants us to walk with Him and follow His lead.

But – He is not a dictator who forces us to take the right path; He simply directs in a quiet manner and leaves it up to us to follow His lead or not. He even allows us to step off the pathway and “do our own thing,” even though He knows that our choices will sometimes bring us trouble and heartache. And, when we take a wrong turn, getting lost or mired in the mud, He gently teaches us the error of our way and welcomes us back with loving, open arms.

This is what Paul’s prayer in today’s verse is all about. He prays to our loving, heavenly Guide, asking Him to direct our hearts. But notice what the destination is. He doesn’t ask God to direct us to peace and safety. That will come at the end of our journey, to be sure. Instead, Paul prays that God will direct our hearts into the self-sacrificing love that is part of who God is. Notice that this destination is not one which is focused on us, but on others. As the Apostle John says in 1 John 4:7, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God.”

The other destination that Paul prays about is “the patience of Christ.” Sometimes God directs us onto difficult pathways so that we might grow and become more Christ-like. This is not a punishment, but a proving ground put in our path to teach us patience.

 

Application

Hang in there, my friend. When difficulties arise, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have done something wrong. Keep your eyes fixed on Him and grow into the image of Christ.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

2 Thessalonians 1:4 – Faithful Endurance

Posted on by Will

so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure,

Truth to Learn

Our growth comes from enduring difficult circumstances.

 

Behind the Words

Kauchomai is the Greek verb translated “boast.” This word may be derived from auchen, meaning “the neck,” which a boastful person holds up in a proud manner. The word kauchomai means “to boast” in either a good or bad sense.

“Patience” is from the word hupomonē, which is made up of hupo, meaning “under” or “beneath” and a form of the verb menō, meaning “to remain” or “to stay in place.” It is a picture of a beast of burden remaining under a heavy load instead of shaking it off. Therefore, it carries the meaning of being steadfast or patient, particularly in a difficult situation.

The word “persecutions” is translated from the Greek word diōgmos, which is derived from the verb diokō, meaning “to follow, pursue, or persecute.” Diōgmos, therefore, refers to “pursuing someone or something.” Regarding people, this word almost always refers to hostile persecution.

The word “tribulation” is from thlipsis, which is derived from the verb thilbō, meaning “to press, crush, or squeeze.” Thus, thlipsis refers to “pressure or affliction.”

“Endure” is translated from the verb anechomai, made up of ana, meaning “up” and echo, meaning “to have or to hold.” So anechomai means “to hold oneself up” or “to endure.”

 

Meaning Explained

Anytime a verse starts out with a connective like “therefore” or “so that” we need to back-up and see what it is that is being referenced. If we look at the previous verse, we see that Paul had just thanked God for the growth in faith and love within the church at Thessalonica. Paul says that the growth of these attributes of the church there resulted in his boasting about the Thessalonians wherever he went.

He tells us that they were continuing to experience persecution and tribulation. But, they were not just experiencing these things, they were “hanging in there.” All Christians will experience both persecution and tribulation, but the maturing Christians will endure such things. Such endurance will produce both patience and love. It doesn’t come as a result of hanging your head or hiding in a corner. It comes from looking up to our commander-in-chief, seeking His guidance and assistance.

Let us not forget where this persecution was coming from. It was coming from their fellow countrymen. It was from their neighbors and co-workers. It was from people at the local market and government officials. It was as if the deck was stacked against them everywhere they turned. But, like a heavily laden beast of burden, the Christians in Thessalonica didn’t just give up, nor did they give in; they remained faithful in their Christian walk and in their witness to everyone around them.

 

Application

In the midst of life’s problems and persecution, let us stand boldly before our foes and proclaim the message of love and forgiveness. Hang-in there, my friend, and let your faith grow. This world needs to see faith in action, not faith in retreat.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

James 5:11 – Blessed Endurance

Posted on by Will

Indeed we count blessed those who are enduring. You heard of the perseverance of Job and saw the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.

Truth to Learn

Enduring hardship is not easy, but it will be rewarding.

 

Behind the Words

The expression “count blessed” is from the Greek word makaridzō, a verb form of the noun makarios, meaning “possessing the favor of God” or “blessed.” Hence, the word makaridzō means “to declare someone’s blessedness because of God’s favor shown to them.”

The words “enduring” and “perseverance” are both forms of hupomonē, which we saw earlier meaning “to remain under.” It is the picture of a beast of burden that faithfully remains under a burdensome, heavy load even when tempted to dump the load. Hence, hupomonē means “to patiently endure.”

“Very compassionate” is translated from polusplagchnos, made up of polus, meaning “much” and splagchnon, which literally refers to “the bowels.” Though it may sound strange to our way of thinking, in the first century it was thought that the bowels, the intestines, were the seat of our emotions and it was from our “gut” that we expressed our love and compassion. Indeed, science has recently discovered that the cell structure of our intestines are closely linked to our brain cells and that they are, in fact, at least partially responsible for our emotional response.

The word “merciful” is from the Greek oiktirmōn. This is the adjective form of oikteirō, which refers to showing a sympathetic feeling of pity or compassion. Oiktirmōn and splagchnon are very closely related words, both expressing sympathy and concern for a loved one.

 

Meaning Explained

James has been speaking of enduring trials and persevering patiently. Here he says that those who endure are counted happy (or blessed because of God’s favor shown to them). Earlier James said,

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for having been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. (James 1:12)

Knowing that they shall receive such a reward, James says we count them as blessed already.

Here he now gives us an example, that of Job. The expression, “and saw the end intended by the Lord” is thought by some to refer to the death of Christ. That, however, does not fit with the point that James is making here (that of compassion and mercy toward those who endure). Instead, this expression most likely refers to the end state of Job provided by the Lord, showing His compassion and tender mercy toward Job for his patient suffering. James uses this to encourage us as we, too, endure times of trial and learn patience in the midst of suffering.

James’ point is that this end state of Job, the fact that his health, his wealth, and most importantly his family were restored to him was a blessing. And, if we patiently endure to the end, we will be blessed by God as well.

 

Application

Does this now make the trial you are enduring seem less burdensome? It should! Dear brother or sister in Christ, you are loved by the God of all creation. He cares dearly about you and wants to bless you, even in the midst of the current hardship you are going through. Hang in there and give Him praise!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

James 1:3 – Refined Perseverance

Posted on by Will

knowing that the proving of your faith brings about patience.

Truth to Learn

The Christian pathway is not an easy one; in fact, it is downright difficult, filled with potholes and uphill battles. But, instead of seeing these as indications of God’s displeasure, we should take delight in them.

Behind the Words

The word translated “proving” is derived from the Greek word dokimion which means “a criterion or test by which something is proved or tried.” It is used of the process whereby metals, like gold, are proved, or refined, in a fiery furnace. There is a subtle difference between this word and the word peirosmos that was used in the previous verse. Peirosmos refers to a test with an unknown outcome and no particular expectation, whereas dokimion is a test with the specific purpose of finding something good. Hence, James is saying, in effect, that we are being approved as acceptable men and women in the furnace of adversity.

“Brings about” is translated from a form of the word katergodzomai which means “to completely bring about or accomplish” or “to carry out a task until it is completed.” God is not through with you yet; He wants to build a strong faith in you and He won’t stop until He’s done.

The word translated “patience” is the noun hupomonē, which is a compound word made up of hupo or hypo meaning “under” or “beneath” and a form of menō, which means “to remain” or “to stay put.” The picture is of a beast of burden that chooses to remain under a heavy load and under control, instead of thrusting it off and gaining relief. It conveys more the idea of continuing on with perseverance than sitting back and waiting for something to happen.

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse James told us that we should consider it delightful when we are surrounded by all kinds of difficult situations. He now tells us why these times should be delightful instead of dreadful. These trials which are surrounding us are there to purify our faith, with the intent of fully developing perseverance in us.

If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you have become a member of His family, even an heir, according to the third chapter of Galatians. And, as his child, it is your responsibility to represent Him to those around you. What better way to demonstrate our trust in the fact that God loves us than to remain under the burden, to stay in control, to persevere when difficult situations arise. And, if we remain under the load, He will fully accomplish in us a faith that is pure and strong.

We can’t avoid the times in our lives when our faith is being tested. When these times do come, however, we have a choice of either rebelling against the situation and blaming God for our difficulties, or remaining consistent in our faith and giving God thanks. As we learn to remain under the load and seek God’s guidance, we will find that our difficult times seem less difficult and more joyous.

Application

Are you going through a difficult time right now? Are you wondering why a loving God would allow such a thing to happen to one of His children? He is not bringing these difficult situations into your life to punish you. He wants to refine your faith, to purify it, so that you will be stronger and a better representative of His family likeness. Therefore, let us have calm delight in these current trials knowing that they are purifying us and building perseverance within us.

Our trials indicate that God is working on us! They indicate that He loves us and wants us to grow stronger and become a better ambassador for Christ!

 
In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

 

 

 

 

2 Thessalonians 3:5 – Our Heavenly Guide

Posted on by Will

Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.

Truth to Learn

As you travel through this life, follow God’s directions.

Behind the Words

“Direct” is translated from the Greek verb kateuthenō. This is a compound word made up of kata, used as an intensifier and euthunō, which means “to make straight.” This is a nautical term which means “to steer a ship in the proper direction.” It is expressed here in the optative mood, indicating action that may or may not be occurring currently, but that could occur.

The word translated “love” is agapē, which refers to the kind of self-sacrificing love that is part of God’s very nature.

“Patience” is from the word hupomone, which is made up of hupo, meaning “under” or “beneath” and a form of the verb menō, meaning “to remain” or “to stay in place.” It is a picture of a beast of burden remaining under a heavy load instead of shaking it off. It is often translated as “patience” or “steadfastness.”

Meaning Explained

Throughout this Bible study series we have been highlighting the fact that the Christian life is a journey. It’s a journey along the pathway of life, full of twists and turns, rocky places and smooth places, steep hills and peaceful valleys, firm ground and slippery, mucky ground. There are also many places where the pathway splits, presenting us multiple options for which way to go. Throughout our travels, the most comforting and reassuring fact is that we are not on this journey alone. We have a Guide who has walked these paths before, a Comforter and Encourager who knows where every path leads, who knows what pitfalls are coming long before we fall into them. The best thing of all is the fact that our guide wants us to walk with Him and follow His lead.

But – He is not a dictator who forces us to take the right path; He simply directs in a quiet manner and leaves it up to us to follow His lead or not. He even allows us to step off the pathway and “do our own thing,” even though He knows that our choices will sometimes bring us trouble and heartache. And, when we take a wrong turn, getting lost or mired in the mud, He gently teaches us the error of our way and welcomes us back with loving, open arms.

This is what Paul’s prayer in today’s verse is all about. He prays to our loving, heavenly Guide, asking Him to direct our hearts. But notice what the destination is. He doesn’t ask God to direct us to peace and safety. That will come at the end of our journey, to be sure. Instead, Paul prays that God will direct our hearts into the self-sacrificing love that is part of who God is. Notice that this destination is not one which is focused on us, but on others. As the Apostle John says in 1 John 4:7, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God.”

The other destination that Paul prays about is “the patience of Christ.” Sometimes God directs us onto difficult pathways so that we might grow and become more Christ-like. This is not a punishment, but a proving ground put in our path to teach us patience.

Application

Hang in there, my friend. When difficulties arise, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have done something wrong. Keep your eyes fixed on Him and grow into the image of Christ.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved