v3 "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; v4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: v5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us". Romans 5:3-5

     The Amplified version describes patience as “unswerving endurance, fortitude. ”Webster’s dictionary defines endurance as: duration, the ability to withstand hardship, adversity or stress.  Endure means: to last, to remain firm under pressure, to bear patiently.

      Notice in verse three it says that we should glory in tribulation.  According to the Amplified it means that we should be full of joy now!  To exult and triumph in our troubles, rejoice in the pressures and affliction because they produce patient and unswerving endurance.

     Sometimes it feels like we just won’t last through some of the pressures of life but if we do what the apostle Paul told us to do, not only will we go through with flying colors but we will be stronger.  Endurance is one thing a runner knows they have to practice in order to build strength for the race.  Does he feel like quitting sometimes?  Without a doubt.

     If you’re anything like me sometimes the thought comes “Why this way?”  But glory to God when we have done all to stand and we’re still standing after the battle is over, that is “more than a conqueror.”  The key is to rejoice and to rejoice now, the very second that you feel like you can’t go another step start praising God and lift up your worship to Him.  If we go through the hard times with a negative attitude it will be harder.  Rejoicing will give you the wings to rise above the situation at hand.

Healthy Hint:  Try stretching in the midst of stress.  It works wonders.   Also, take a 20-minute walk.  What a difference it will make.