The Power of Patience James 5:7-12 BE MATURE By Warren Wierbse

At the beginning and end of James’ letter, his counsel, “Be patient.” Three times we are reminded of the coming of the Lord (5:7, 8, & 9). It’s the Blessed Hope of the Christian (Titus 2:13) John 16:33: “In the world ye shall have tribulation”. Acts 14:22: “we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God”. Endure hardships & heartaches until Jesus returns.

Patience means “to remain under”, “to stay put and stand fast when you’d like to run away”. Longsuffering refers to patience relating to people while endurance refers to patience relating to situations. How can Christians experience patient endurance as we wait for the Lord to return?

The Farmer (5:7-9) He must be patient with the weather for he has no control over the weather. He must be patient with the seed and crops Early rain in autumn months to soften the soil Latter rain in early spring (Feb.-March) to help mature the harvest Why did the farmer willingly wait so long? “The fruit is precious” (5:7) Gal. 6:9 “in due season we shall reap, if we faint not”. Mark 4:28-29

Christian as a spiritual farmer looking for a spiritual harvest. 5:8 “Be ye also patient, stablish your hearts” The soil - our hearts; the seed is the word of God (Luke 8:11) Seasons to the soil: at times our hearts become cold and “wintering” The Lord has to “plow them up” (Jer. 4:3) Sunshine and rain of goodness.

God is producing a harvest in our lives Fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) How? Through trials and troubles The ministry of the Word of God and prayer are important to help our hearts to be established, otherwise, it cannot bear fruit. Farmer continues to work while looking toward the harvest. “Keep working and waiting” Luke 12:42 “Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when He cometh shall find so doing”

Farmer willingly helps one another. He has no time to argue with the neighbor. “Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged” (5:9 NIV) The Prophets (5:10) The prophets were in the will of God and suffered. II Tim. 3:12 “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ shall suffer persecution.” Our Lord’s obedience led to the Cross. (Phil. 2:8,9)

God cares for us even when we go through sufferings for His sake like Elijah at the hands of unbelievers and Jeremiah at the hands of professed believers. Ezekiel and Daniel What those who speak for Christ endure difficult trials? “Patience in times of suffering is a testimony to others around us”. So that their lives match their messages. Many faithful Christians suffered & died without any recognition, but they will receive their rewards.

Romans 15:4 “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (NIV) READ THE WORD Job (5:11) You cannot persevere unless there is a trial. No victories without battles; no peaks without valleys. Paul went to third heaven and as result, God gave a thorn in the flesh to keep him humble (II Cor. 12:1-10) Blessing occurs after enduring a trial.

For example, Job and three Hebrew children. Job’s distress defense deliverance Job didn’t know what was going on between God and Satan. Job was a righteous man, yet he suffered. God has a higher purpose in suffering. The purpose of the Lord was to reveal Himself as full of pity and tender mercy. Job met God in a new and deeper way. God was glorified and Job was purified.

Job 23:10 “But He know the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold”. Satan prefers impatient Christians who are impatient with God for it is a powerful tool For example: Moses’ impatience led him to miss entering the Promised land. Abraham’s impatience led to the birth of Ishmael, the enemy of Jews. Peter’s impatience almost made him a murderer.

What is the answer for suffering? My grace is sufficient for thee (II Cor. 12:7- 9) If you are suffering, go to God for grace (Heb. 4:14-16) Oaths? What does those has to do with suffering? It’s easy to say you don’t mean and make bargain with God. Job 1:21-22 “Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord”.

In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly. It’s impossible to avoid God in the oath. A basic principle: true character requires few words. If you are true Christian, then all you have to say is Yes or No and people will believe you. One of the purposes of suffering is the building of the character. Peter gave oath (Matt. 26:71)

Like a farmer, we work and wait for a spiritual harvest. Like the prophets, we look for the opportunities for witness. Like Job, we wait for the Lord to fulfill His loving purpose. “Knowing that He will never cause His children to suffer needlessly, be patient, for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh”.