“Our troubles have always brought us blessings, and they always will. They are the black chariots of bright grace.”   C.H. Spurgeon

I faced so many challenges, seven years ago, when I brought my son home to be homeschooled. Honestly, it had never occurred to me that I would one day join the swelling ranks of Christian homeschoolers all across America. I dove into my new identity, as my son’s teacher, full of hope. How hard could it be, right? Imagine my surprise when many of the concepts just wasn’t sinking past his little ears. Every day was punctuated by our tears and anxiety. So, I began toying with the idea of private school although I felt strongly that God had called me to teach him at home.

I still remember sitting at my dining room table, licking my wounds and feeling sorry for myself, when God spoke to my heart. He told me to teach my son about Him and he also said that He could open doors no man could open.

I marveled at the fact that God had cared enough to personally address my situation. In fact, I felt somewhat like Hagar when she referred to Him as El-roi, which means the One who sees me (Genesis 16:13). Through all of this, God taught me that although education was important, He was more important. Deep down inside I knew this, but I wasn’t acting like it.

Despite the fact that things did not improve overnight, I continued to give my son a more well-rounded education. Like Hagar, I knew that regardless of what was happening in the present, my son’s future was in the hands of a loving, Almighty God; who could do over and beyond anything I could ever imagine (Genesis 16:8-10). So instead of begrudgingly getting through the day, I learned to appreciate the beautiful art of patiently enduring.

 Recently, I learned that the Greek word for perseverance, steadfastness, and a patient endurance is hupomone. It is pronounced (hoop-om-on-ay`) and is used thirteen times in the New Testament.

 Notice Hebrews 10:36,

“For you have need of endurance, so when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.”

The wonderful thing about patiently enduring is that it is not enduring just for the sake of enduring. It means that we are patiently awaiting a perceived outcome. For example, Hagar was willing to submit to Sarah because God had promised that Ishmael would someday become a mighty nation. (Genesis 16:10)

In fact, we are all awaiting an even greater promise from God. James 1:12 reveals what that promise is when he says,

 “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

 Meditating on these scriptures helps me to remember that the reward is so much greater than the struggle. In fact, I don’t have to be ashamed of the battles I fight daily. They are not worthless no matter how trivial they may seem and neither are yours. James 1:12 shows that when we surrender them to God, they are like a sacred act of worship that will be richly rewarded. So, if you are experiencing circumstances that are stretching your capacity to endure then pray earnestly to God and then simply, “let go”.  Surrender. As a result of your faith, Jesus will lovingly place His precious crown of life on your head. Thus, you will perpetually give glory to God and to his Son, Jesus Christ, forever. Is there any greater reason to develop hupomone daily and in all circumstances?