( 2 Tim. 4:7-8 ; Gal. 6:9 ; Matt. 24:3 ) God has called us to run our race with patient endurance. We are to continue to persevere in the face of sufferings and opposition. We are to look beyond the situation and see the prize which awaits us at the finish line. Allow nothing to deter you from reaching the goal and reward which lay before you.

( Luke 21:12-19 ) Afflictions and persecutions will cause some to drop out of the race but those who have developed the fruit of longsuffering will remain firm without yielding to adverse circumstances. God did not promise us a trouble-free existence instead He warned us about future affliction and persecution ( Matt. 7:13-14 ).

( Eph. 4:11-13 ; Rom. 15:5-6 ; Col. 3:12,13 ; James 5:7-9 ) Longsuffering is an act of the will, each believer is responsible for cultivating it in their lives. Peace and harmony do not depend upon the absence of fault but on the Presence of Christ. Strife and divisions among believers are not caused by faults, but are the result of a lack of patience or long-suffering among fellow servants.

( Jer. 12:5 ; Rom. 5:2-5 ) God is raising up people who will be spiritually equipped to 'run with the footmen', 'contend with horses', and stand through the 'swelling of the Jordan'. Also we are to keep strife out of churches, out of relationships, resolving disputes by God's grace, and to allow His Grace to be acted upon.

( Heb. 6:12-15 ; Heb. 10:36 ; 1 Cor. 13:3 ; Eph. 6:10-14 ) Cultivating fruit of longsuffering will enable the believer to obtain the promises in the word of God. Failure to receive promises may be due to failing to exercise patience and endurance. It is only when we believe and stand will we see the manifestation of the answer to prayer. Standing brings forth fruit.

( Mark 11:24 ; Heb. 6:12 ; Luke 8:4-5 ) God requires us to stand to see if we are just talking or expressing faith. Abraham stood 25 years, Caleb, 45, Noah, 100. Ability of these men to hold fast to God's promises was in direct proportion to the degree of development of the fruit of longsuffering. Keeping the word of God regardless until maturity is brought forth by patience.

( Rom. 6:16-18 ; Eph. 4:22-32 ) The key to keeping the word is to obey it from the heart. When believers obey the word from their hearts, they become servants of righteousness. One indication of obeying from the heart is responding compassionately to an unpleasant person in opposition to your feelings which yearns to retaliate.

( Rom. 5:3-5 ; James 1:2-4 ; Isa. 40:29-31 ; 1 Pet. 1:13 ; Rom. 8:24-25 ) We cultivate the fruit of longsuffering by experiencing tribulations which produces patience. Experiences produce hope, and the knowledge thereof induces love in the midst of trials.

( Rom. 8:25 ) During difficult times our top priority should be to find out what the word of God declares to be true about our situation. Hoping for what we don't see, with patience, we will wait for it. Hope, patience and receiving the promises all blend together.