Introduction
    Patience is important today, even being listed as a Fruit of the Spirit. Patience, also translated as longsuffering, indicates a patient endurance of pain or unhappiness. That is a deeper understanding than just saying someone is patient. We can wait for a bus, taxi, or rickshaw – depending on where you live – and our patience can be tested when we are waiting in traffic that’s not moving because of some circumstance. Frustration and the stress accompanying it, are increased if the delay will result, for example, in our being late to work, or missing an international flight.
   In Scripture, one of the Greek words for patience is mak-roth-y-mi-a’ (G.3115, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance). Macros means long and thumos means anger, together, makrothymia, means slow to anger. In Hebrew, its equivalent is actually found in two separate words, ap and erek, with ap meaning a long face and nose (figuratively a stable neutral look, not angry or happy), while erek, means long-suffering before getting angry. In other words, slow to anger.
   “Yet even now,” declares Yahweh, “Return to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, weeping and mourning; and rend your heart and not your garments.” Now return to Yahweh your Elohim, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger (patient, TS), abounding in lovingkindness and relenting of evil, Joel 2:12-13 (The New American Standard Bible, used throughout unless otherwise noted)
   Patience is something that we will want to exercise in our lives because it is opposed to “outbursts of anger” (Gal. 5:20), which is listed among the works of the flesh.

Prior to Baptism
    Recently, a man contacted the Assembly expressing his desire to be baptized. He admitted to having struggles, but believed the Spirit would help him overcome through being immersed in water. We replied that the Set Apart Spirit is given to those who obey Yahweh (Acts 5:32). In other words, obedience to Yahweh – ceasing to continue in sin – precedes receiving the Holy Spirit. The following tells us we better think before we act.
   And whoever does not bear his stake and come after Me is unable to be My taught one. For who of you, wishing to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid the foundation, and is unable to finish it, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, “This man began to build and was unable to finish.” Or what sovereign, going to fight against another sovereign, does not sit down first and take counsel whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? And if not, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. So, then, every one of you who does not give up all that he has, is unable to be My taught one, Luke 14:27-33, TS.
   Counting the cost, requires relinquishing bad habits and sins that easily entangle one into slavery to Satan.
In light of Luke 14:27-33, we can appreciate a deeper meaning from Luke 6:47-49:
   Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them, I will show you whom he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when a flood occurred, the torrent burst against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who has heard and has not acted [accordingly], is like a man who built a house on the ground without any foundation; and the torrent burst against it and immediately it collapsed, and the ruin of that house was great.
   When we count the cost, and move toward doing what we’re told to do, we have a foundation and a house that cannot be easily moved. And, of course, the foundation for us is the Word and the Messiah.
   On the other hand, if we don’t do as we are told, then we will have neither a foundation, nor a house, that can stand. And we know, the Savior’s words agree with His Father’s words, since a house divided against itself will not stand (Mark 3:25).
   Besides giving the aforementioned Scriptures to the man wanting to be baptized for his consideration, we also affirmed that Yahweh’s Spirit was already at work in him, opening his mind to the truth. However, he must “count the cost of choosing life.”
   In Acts, chapter 2, following the 3,000 who were baptized in Yahshua’s Name – the only Name under heaven by Which we are saved – for the remission of their sins, it is written that Peter said to them, And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation,” Acts 2:40. In their patience – and in ours, as well – they would possess their souls (Luke 21:19).

We are Told to be Patient
    Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Master. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Master is near, James 5:7-8.
   These words relate to the prophecy of Joel 2:23, 28, which speaks of an anticipated outpouring of Yahweh’s Spirit. James is saying to be patient and wait for all that Yahweh has in store to bestow upon His people, a change to come that will astonish mankind.
   In the Seed and Sower parable, we find those who, with patience, do well in bringing forth fruit. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the Word, keep [it], and bring forth fruit with patience, Luke 8:15, KJV.
   This is a different Greek word, hup-om-on-e’ (G.5281), meaning the power to withstand hardship or stress and put up with things or circumstances. Alternative renderings are steadfastness, endurance, perseverance, or persistence.
   To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life, Romans 2:7, NIV.
   Being patient and doing good come with rewards … though it is reward enough, knowing we are doing the right things which is but whole duty and reasonable service. Though our circumstances may not always be the best, we can trust that with Yahweh helping us, there will be a good outcome.
   The end of a matter is better than its beginning, patience of spirit is better than haughtiness of spirit, Ecclesiastes 7:8. We walk by faith and not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7), hoping for we do not see and waiting for it with patience (Rom. 8:25). Spirit can be translated as attitude. So, we might ask ourselves, “Does our attitude express the Spirit within?”
   Be still before Yahweh and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes, Psalm 37:7, ESV.
   Some people may succeed with their “wicked schemes”… in the short term, but Yahweh Who knows the end from the beginning (Isa. 46:10), knows also the end of those who hate Him and has prepared a rest for those who love Him. It is the end that will matter the most; it’s the long game that counts.
   And so, therefore, [It is] good that [a man] should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of Yahweh, Lamentations 3:26, KJV.
   For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of Elohim, you may receive what was promised, Hebrews 10:36.
   Are we waiting patiently for the Master’s return? Redeem the time, waiting patiently; helping and serving where you can; for the joy that is set before us (Heb. 12:2), thinking about the end and not just about what is happening now.
   This walk is not without difficulties and hardships we endure. But these are purposed to build in us character, preparing us for the opportunity in the future to rule 1,000 years with the King of kings.
   For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 7:14. The word “narrow” is literally “pressed” as the Greek thli’-bo (G.2346) renders it. It can also be translated as “afflicted” or “hard-pressed.” Paul said that through many tribulations, we must enter the Kingdom of Yahweh (Acts 14:22). Certainly, as Yahshua prophesied in Acts 9:16, he would come to experience tribulation and difficulties (2 Cor. 11:23-28).

PAUL
    The list is long, but let’s start with Paul, as one who had been patient. He says, Giving no cause for offense in anything, so that the ministry will not be discredited, but in everything commending ourselves as servants of Elohim, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses, in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in hunger, in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, in the word of truth, in the power of Elohim; by the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left, 2 Corinthians 6:3-7.
   Notice the first thing here: Paul is saying not to give offense in anything, so the ministry is not discredited. Does this mean that offenses won’t come? Not at all, but we are warned not to be an offender but rather, permitting the Light within us to be maintained by exercise and seen by men.
   While in a Roman prison, Paul says, Therefore I, the prisoner of the Master, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience (mak-roth-y-mi-a’), showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, Ephesians 4:1-3.
   This, he learned from Yahshua, in that having pleaded with Him to take away the thorn in his flesh, received instead, the solace that Yahshua’s Power would be perfected in his weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). Some 5 years later, Paul could say that he learned to be content in any situation (Phil. 4:11).
   So, Paul is speaking from experience when it comes to afflictions, hardship, and distress, but he is not the only one with the experience of being hard-pressed and patiently enduring. We, too, are blessed to personally experience, and to rejoice with, others’ recovery from difficulties. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep, Romans 12:15.
   In his letter to Timothy, Paul speaks plainly to Timothy, how he recovered from the trials he suffered.
   Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience (makrothumia), love, perseverance (hup-om-on-e’), persecutions, [and] sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium [and] at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Master rescued me, 2 Timothy 3:10-11.

JOB
    Behold, we count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job, and have seen the outcome of the Master’s dealings, that the Master is full of compassion and [is] merciful, James 5:11.
   So, what was Job’s attitude like after the great loss of his children? And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return there. Yahweh gave and Yahweh has taken away. Blessed be the Name of Yahweh.” Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame Elohim, Job 1:21-22.
   Thankfully, Yahweh doesn’t give us more than we can handle (1 Cor. 10:13), but the loss of his possessions, and his children? That was quite the blow to Job, and to his wife who later suggested that he curse Yahweh. (Good thing he was the head of his house, and not her, otherwise the outcome may have been different.)
   Did Job learn anything from what he went through? After four chapters (Job 38-41) being questioned by Yahweh, he learned that he may have been a “little” self-righteous. He also learned as James pointed out, that Yahweh is compassionate and merciful. I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore I despise [myself], and repent in dust and ashes, Job 42:5-6, TS.
   After this, and his intercession for his friends, Yahweh gave him double what he had before. And Yahweh blessed him more in the end of his days than at the beginning. Yahweh is Good.

JOSEPH
    From Yahweh, Joseph was given dreams foretelling his own future. But when he told his brothers they were going to bow down to him, they thought to kill him, but his life was delivered to him instead, by being sold as a slave. He lived and prospered for a time (Gen 39:1-5) but then found himself unjustly imprisoned for several years for doing what was right. What can we infer about Yahweh’s opinion of Joseph for persevering through his difficulties? For Elohim is pleased when, conscious of His will, you patiently endure unjust treatment. Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, Elohim is pleased with you, 1 Peter 2:19-20, NLT.
   Joseph’s suffering for doing good and enduring it patiently, was amply rewarded by Pharaoh before whom he credited his gift of interpreting the king’s troubling dreams, to Yahweh (Gen. 41:39-44).
   His blameless character was afterward revealed as he declined the opportunity, more than a decade later, to avenge his brothers for their disaffection toward him.

ABRAHAM
    For when Elohim made the promise to Abraham, since He could swear by no one greater, He by Himself, saying, “I WILL SURELY BLESS YOU AND I WILL SURELY MULTIPLY YOU.” And so, having patiently waited, he obtained the promise, Hebrews 6:13-15.
   Again, another outcome, better in its end than in its beginning. Abraham saw Isaac married and the blessings that would come from the promise of Yahweh through Isaac and Jacob, his grandson.
   Nevertheless, his life had its trials. He was tested when Yahweh told him to sacrifice Isaac, the son whom he loved … a figurative image of Yahweh’s Son, Yahshua. Abraham, recognizing that Yahweh could provide, patiently moved forward to obey Yahweh. And Abraham was blessed.
   This is what Yahweh says: “Because you have obeyed me and have not withheld even your son, your only son, I swear by my own Name that I will certainly bless you. I will multiply your descendants beyond number, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will conquer the cities of their enemies. And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed – all because you have obeyed Me,” Genesis 22:16, NLT.
   Moreover, a greater blessing awaits those who obey Yahweh: “the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is Yahweh “ (Hebrews 11:10).

JACOB
    Jacob worked for Laban, his mother Rebekah’s brother (Gen. 24:29). Laban had two daughters, Leah and Rachel. Jacob loved Rachel, but Laban bartered with him – seven years’ service to him, in exchange for Rachel to become his wife. But Laban, seeing an opportunity for advantage, manipulated the situation so that Leah was given to Jacob first. Afterward, for the consideration of seven more years of service, Rachel was given him in marriage.
   Jacob patiently endured his uncle’s treachery for years. So, when we talk about patience, we may be talking about years, maybe even decades though sometimes, patient endurance may be just for a short time – like Jacob wrestling throughout one night with the Messenger of Yahweh (Whom we understand was the pre-existent Savior, Yahshua) not giving in until he was blessed. And, indeed, he was blessed. (See our in-depth booklet study entitled, Did the Savior Pre-exist?)
   And Elohim said to him, “Your name is Jacob; no longer shall your name be called Jacob, but Israel shall be your name.” So He called his name Israel. And Elohim said to him, “I am El Shaddai: be fruitful and multiply. A nation and a company of nations shall come from you, and kings shall come from your own body. The land that I gave to Abraham and Isaac I will give to you, and I will give the land to your offspring after you.” Then Elohim went up from him in the place where He had spoken with him. And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he had spoken with Him, a pillar of stone. He poured out a drink offering on it and poured oil on it. So Jacob called the name of the place where Elohim had spoken with him Bethel, Genesis 35:10-15, ESV.
   So, do you see a pattern? If we don’t give up and patiently (with persistence) endure, we’ll be blessed.

YAHSHUA
    Yahshua received stripes, insults, and ultimately death. Abraham, Joseph, Job, Paul, Yahshua and others show us that we are not alone in suffering and in trials that will test the very fabric of who we are.
   Then the soldiers of the governor took Yahshua into the governor’s residence and gathered the whole cohort to Him. And they stripped Him [and] put a scarlet military cloak around Him, and weaving a crown of thorns, they put [it] on His head, and [put] a reed in His right hand. And kneeling down before Him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!” And they spat on Him [and] took the reed and repeatedly struck [Him] on his head. And when they had mocked Him, they stripped Him of the military cloak and put His [own] clothes on Him, and led Him away in order to impale Him, Matthew 27:27-31, LEB. 
   Are we willing to drink the cup from which He drank? Are we willing to lay down our lives for the brethren? We have to give up everything, as He was willing to do.
   Fixing our eyes on Yahshua, the Originator and Perfecter of faith, Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the stake, disregarding the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of Elohim. For consider the One who endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary in your souls and give up. You have not yet resisted to the point of [shedding your] blood [as you] struggle against sin, Hebrews 12:2-4, LEB.
   Certainly, Yahshua had Yahweh’s Spirit and help, which is good news. Nevertheless, He declared that in the world, we will have tribulation (John 16:33). Expect trials, for they will come.
   Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad – for these trials make you partners with Messiah in His suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing His glory when it is revealed to all the world, 1 Peter 4:12-13, NLT.
   A great day is ahead – a day of redemption, following the tribulation. Paul said this of Yahshua:
   “It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Messiah Yahshua came into the world to save sinners … that He might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life”(1 Tim. 1:15, 16).
   Yahshua had perfect patience, and we must grow and learn to follow in His footsteps.

Other Prophets
    As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the Name of Yahweh, James 5:10.
   Question: How many of Yahweh’s prophets knew Yahweh’s Name? Answer: All of them.
   Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hosea, Obadiah, Jonah, Zephaniah, Zechariah – all these, for example, even had Yahweh’s Name within their own.
   Question: How many had patience? Answer: To a degree, all of them.
   Some manifested patience more than others. Jonah didn’t do so well when he was charged to go to Nineveh (Jon. 1:2-3). Jeremiah, known as the weeping prophet, wanted to die and cursed the day he was born (Jer. 20:14-18). Neither of these are perhaps the best examples of patience, but other prophets were more exemplary. We’ll take a look at one, Daniel.

DANIEL
    Daniel was in Babylon during the exile of the southern tribes. There, under the rule of Darius the Mede, he disregarded the edict that had been issued, that anyone who made a petition to any elohim or man besides the king for thirty days, should be cast into the lion’s den (Dan. 6:7) and continued to bow down to Yahweh three times a day in prayer, as he had previously done. For this, he patiently endured being cast into the lion’s den. When he was delivered by Yahweh Who dispatched an angel to shut the lions’ mouths, Darius made the following statement:
   I make a decree that in all the dominion of my kingdom men are to fear and tremble before the Elohim of Daniel; for He is the living Elohim and enduring forever, and His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed, and His dominion [will be] forever. He delivers and rescues and performs signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, Who has [also] delivered Daniel from the power of the lions. So this Daniel enjoyed success in the reign of Darius and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian, Daniel 6:26-28.
   Again, the outcome was good because Daniel was focused on Yahweh, kept his composure, and patiently endured difficult times.
   And, incidentally, just a side note: Satan is described as a roaring lion going out and seeking whom he may devour, but we should emulate Daniel, noted as faithful (v. 4) to Yahweh and whose complete trust was in Him (v. 23).

In Conclusion
    For Elohim [is] not unjust, [so as] to forget your work and the love which you demonstrated for His Name [by] having served the saints, and continuing to serve [them]. And we desire each one of you to demonstrate the same diligence for the full assurance of [your] hope until the end, in order that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who inherit the promises through faith and patience, Hebrews 6:10-12, LEB.
   We have time yet before Yahshua’s return. How are we to spend that time? Are we spending it wisely?
We continue to preach the Word, standing as a witness to the nations, though most ignore the Word and us. We acknowledge that it will be more difficult as lawlessness increases worldwide.
   Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. This evangel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come., Matthew 24:12-14. Yes, “lawlessness is increased.”
   And, you will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put [some] of you to death, and you will be hated by all because of My Name. Yet not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives. … the one who endures to the end, he will be saved, Luke 21:16-19; Matthew 24:13.
   Again, through patient endurance, we will be saved and gain our lives. The way to perfect patience is to fully believe Yahweh and trust Him with all of your heart, as it is written:
   Trust in Yahweh with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear Yahweh and turn away from evil, Proverbs 3:5-7.
   May the peace that passes all understanding, be with all of us.