We want suffering to be over as soon as possible; most of the time, it does not happen that way. As with long races, we must find a pace to finish it. This requires patience; this patience expresses itself as steadfastness. In the common vernacular this is, “hang in there” and “keep on keeping on”. In the middle of suffering with patience we discover things about ourselves that we did not know; but best of all, we discover the compassion and mercy that God has for us in our suffering. Thus our relationship with Him is deepened and strengthened, such is the result of joining patience to our suffering.
“As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. (James 5:10–11 ESV)
