Galatians 5:22 But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives HE will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. [Living Bible]
Summary
PATIENCE is another HOLY SPIRIT SUPERFRUIT.
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Hebrews 12:1 states:
Since we have such a huge crowd of men (and women) of faith watching us from the grandstands, let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that GOD has bet before us. [Living Bible]
James 3:1 states:
Dear brothers (and sisters), is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don't try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.
Unlike the picture most of us have of the "patient" child "sitting still" or "waiting" until the parents finally reach the destination, or until supper is ready, or until Christmas comes and the gifts can be opened, the kind of patience depicted in Hebrews 12:1 and James 3:1 is not "inactive" or about "sitting still." Rather, "patience" in these scriptures is "active" and "growing" or "blossoms."
What Paul (in Hebrew) and James are describing is "endurance." A runner does not get endurance by sitting still or not moving; rather, a runner gains endurance by moving—faster and faster, and further and further, day after day after day. What makes a great athlete is the amount of "training" and "endurance" he or she builds up as a result of "being in the game."
Is there ever pain or hardship when runners or athletes train? Of course! When asked how she dealt with her running pain, Kara Goucher, an American Olympic marathon runner, put it this way:
"I try to think about positive things—how great my form is, how my arms are swinging, my breathing, how loud people are cheering. My sports psychologist taught me there are a million things telling you can't keep going, but if you find the things that say you can, you're golden."
In Hebrews, Paul reminds us of the "great cloud of witnesses" in our lives cheering us on---that mother, father, grandmother or other "saint," who was always praying for us. James tells us that it won't be easy and that there are a lot of "sin" obstacles on the track and a million excuses out there, but if we keep jumping over each hurdle, we will definitely get stronger and our endurance greater and greater. Job, an Old Testament biblical "Olympian" put it this way:
But HE knows the way that I take; when HE has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
BUILDING STAMINA and ENDURANCE
Physical Endurance
Building physical stamina or endurance takes patience, time and determination. It does not come overnight. Nor is there one formula that will work for every body type, every age or person. But for every type of activity or sport: running, walking, cycling, basketball, football, etc., there are probably a number of activities that a person can perform to increase their physical endurance or stamina. If you want build greater physical endurance, consider consulting an expert: your physician (who knows your personal physical health); a strength trainer; a physical therapist.
Mental Endurance
Everyone can benefit from building up greater mental stamina or endurance. In "5 Tips for Building Mental Stamina," R. Morgan Griffin, offers tips for increasing mental stamina. According to Griffin:
- Think Positively: "Self-confidence is probably the most important mental characteristic that athletes need," says Robert E. Corb, PhD, a psychologist and director of the Sport Psychology Program at UCLA. "Listen to what you're saying about yourself. If what you hear is negative, correct it. Consciously think more positive thoughts." Interrupt negative thoughts. Then, replace them with positive ones.
- Use Visualization: "Visualization is a common technique for handling stress. When you're overwhelmed, imagining yourself in a calm soothing place for a few minutes can help you manage the stress." Visualization can also give you a method to rehearse performance: "A basketball player might close his eyes and think about what a free throw will look like. Visualizing past achievements can also be helpful and give you a mental boost: "It's almost like a highlight reel that you play in your mind. Focus on times you felt really good, and remember that feeling."
- Plan for Setbacks: Things happen. A runner "hits the wall." A golfer misses a shot. According to Corb, one of the things that separates elite athletes is their ability not to "spiral out of control." They regain their focus. They play a song in their heads, do deep breathing or have a special phrase (or scripture) they repeat to themselves to stay focused. Practice helps.
- Manage Stress: Techniques like muscle relaxation and meditation can be helpful before a stressful presentation or event. However, Corb notes that not all stress is negative or harmful. Positive stress (excitement) can be a big boost.
- Sleep More: Sleep allows the body time to repair, according to Corb, can improve reaction time and split-second decision making. Sleep also has mental benefits.
See, "5 Tips for Building Mental Stamina," R. Morgan Griffin, reviewed by Brunilda Narzario, MD, www.Webmd.com.
ASK and RUN
It's a race. It will take time (to get stronger, to not be bothered by the setbacks, to remember that we are continuously blessed, despite what the internal or external "negative voices" might say). There will be obstacles and sometimes even pain. We just need to be (actively) patient (staying in the game). And, "run the race."
Want to build greater physical, spiritual and mental stamina? Consult your heavenly EXPERT, JESUS CHRIST! Then, Ask. Remember, we don't run alone. HE is our EMANUEL (GOD with us). And, THE HOLY SPIRIT, our coach and comforter, is ready to provide a number of good and wonderful gifts along the way. Just ask:
Ask, and it shall be given you.... [Matthew 7:7]
[H]ow much more shall your FATHER which is in heaven give good things to those who ask HIM! [Matthew 7:11]
So, ask!
Then, be patient, be prayerful, run and BE BLESSED!
