Be Patient.
Just Do It, Part 16
Jesus promised that one day he would return to once-and-for-all renew and repair our broken world. In the meantime, we wait and continue to endure the hardships of life. And only one thing can get us through it...patience. But how does the hope of Jesus' return help us gain a new perspective on life, and give us the ability to react to extreme trials with patience?
“We can patiently endure in all circumstances because we know who’s on the way.”
Scripture:
James 5:7-11
Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
Highlights:
• One word must characterize the lifestyle of those who suffer persecution, trials, or afflictions of any sort: patience.
• Patience is the key to avoiding walking in circles.
• Patience means to be “long tempered” as opposed to “short tempered.”
• Whether it is circumstances or people that are killing you, your reaction, if you remember the Lord’s return, will be one that is characterized by a long temper, or in a word, patience.
• A belief in the Lord’s return helps us be patient because we know that one day we’ll be rescued from all of our troubles.
• The early church knew that one day Jesus was coming back to rescue them.
• A belief in the Lord’s return helps us be patient because we know that one day we’ll be reviewed.
• A belief in the Lord’s return helps us be patient because we know that one day we’ll be rewarded.
• “There may be a faith which never complained or questioned; but still greater is the faith which was tortured by questions and still believed.” - William Barclay
• Blessings come not to people who do great things, the blessing comes to people who endure great things.
• The ones who will receive the greatest glory in the world to come will be the ones who have gone through he greatest suffering in this world and have patiently endured.
• We can patiently endure in all circumstances because we know who’s on the way.
