This next section is about having patience in the suffering. Something I have really learned in this season. It’s definitely not easy. Probably the hardest thing I have endured. The hope that I cling to is Jesus will return, this I have no doubt. He will come and take away all suffering.
James 5:7-8 dear brothers and sisters, you must be patient as you wait for the Lords return. Consider the farmers who eagerly look for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They patiently wait for the precious harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. And take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.
Growing up we had a garden every year. I learned all about the patience and hard work that comes with growing crops. I learned the importance of natural rain and pulling of weeds as it grew. We couldn’t rush the process any faster, nor could we just stop taking care of it. Just like we have to wait patiently for Christ’s return. We can’t rush Him. He will come at exactly the right time. Just like taking care of a garden, we must take care of our part of the Kingdom. We must live by faith. We must continue doing the work because we know what waits us at the end.
James 5:9 don’t grumble about each other, my brothers and sisters, or God will judge you. For look! The great Judge is coming. He is standing at the door!
We do have a tendency to grumble when things don’t go right, our way. Often we blame others for our misery. It’s just easier to blame others than to admit our wrong. This is both destructive and sinful. He will not let us get away with this. So next time you want to blame someone else, examine yourself first.
James 5:10-12 for examples of patience in suffering, dear brothers and sisters, look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. Job is an example of a man who endured patiently. From his experience we see how the Lords plan finally ended in good, for he is full of tenderness and mercy. But most of all, my brothers and sisters, never take an oath, by heaven or earth or anything else. Just say a simple yes or nor, so that you will not sin and be condemned for it.
The next book that I want to dig deeper with you guys is the book of Job. It’s a longer one but filled with things that got me through some difficult times. He lost everything. And he still praised God. Moses, Elijah, and Jeremiah also suffered or were persecuted.
We all know someone that likes to exaggerate on things. For me it’s my middle one. He always does it after we correct him. Have had to be intentional with him on it. Another person that can be hard to trust is someone who lies. We need to always be honest with our answers. a simple yes or no. This way we don’t lie or tell half truths. We should strive to be a trustworthy person.
Warrior for Christ 