December 26, 2019 – James 5:7-9

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord, is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. James 5:7-9.

Waiting patiently during times of trouble requires more strength than we have.  Only God can provide the patience we need and the faith.  

Many of my cousins farm the land.  They interact with the weather God sends  moment by moment.  The tools are costly and time is of essence.  This takes much patient waiting.  If our hearts are not set to understand ‘God’s  time and way,’ we turn to complaints and anger against each other and God.

Throughout the ages, the prophets suffered and yet saw the steadfastness of God’s Love as their Guide. Job suffered and it is written his humble reaction to suffering, Teach me, and I will be silent; make me understand how I have gone astray. Job 6:11.

But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me. Psalm 13:5-6.

The Children of Israel ignored God. They wanted to return to their slavery in Egypt. But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them. Nehemiah 9:17b.

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