To be patient or to persevere

My wife and I have begun going through the book of Job together and notwithstanding that I have read the story before and know how it ends I am still amazed at how different I understand the story today given the events of the past year. One of the challenges I have had over this year is trying to figure out how to move forward and not stay still. Job 2 helped me to understand that perseverance builds character and character is what we are going to be taking with us to heaven. Being patient does not necessarily get anything accomplished. Imagine a math problem. Staring at the page being patient for an answer will not generate the answer or get the work done to produce the answer. However, perseverance would dictate that you get help or do the work required to get the answer. The parallel in my life is the equivalent of not moving forward with taking advantage of opportunities as I attempt to be patient while waiting for God to tell me what to do. God needs something to work with - this is where perseverance comes into play. By choosing to work through challenges and issues I am opening the door for God to direct my actions and the results. Job understood that it is not only the good that comes from God but that the bad is allowed to help us build character (see 1 Cor. 11:32). Like the story of the furnace in Daniel that shows how God was able to do work in the midst of significant challenges I too need to not be scared of the challenges and disappointments in my life. Rather I need to welcome them and let God use them to help strengthen and refine me. Amazing that the Bible is so relevant all the time and reads differently based on my particular circumstances.