The Need for Patience

“Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See [how] the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end [intended by] the Lord——that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful” (James 5:7-11 NKJV).

The Need for Patience

This theme runs through much of Scripture. As James mentioned earlier patience produces a complete Christian one who lacks nothing (James 1:4). That is the goal of our gracious and merciful Savior. He desires that we lack nothing, and that we are fit to stand before Him when we leave this world.

Notice how James says, “Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” How is that to be done if we have fattened our hearts with loose living? My dear friends the Judge is standing at the door. We must be particularly careful in tending to our souls in this culture of affluence. Who among us suffers like the prophets of old? Are we enduring hardship? 

Maybe, in one way they were more blessed than we are, for all the hard things they suffered had a purpose. The Lord used trials to glorify Himself and magnify the ministry of His saints. Therefore, Job is given as a perfect example of which we may look for encouragement. 

Are you in a trial? Look back to the prophets of old. They suffered many things for their faith. Still they did not waver, but waited patiently for the Lord to deliver them. Let us pray that we might say as Job did, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD” (Job 1:21 NKJV).

Lord, give us strength for today’s trials, amen.