James 5:7 “Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord…”
If we continue to read through verse eleven of chapter five, James gives three different examples when he encourages the brethren in patience: the farmer, the prophets, and the man named Job.1
From each example we can draw something different. The farmer shows us that we have a part in what God is doing. In waiting we are not to be lazy, but responsible and ready. We need to be willing to work. The prophets reveal to us that patience is on God’s time table, not ours. Many of the prophets spoke of things concerning the far future – things they never witnessed in their own lives. Yet they did not argue, instead they waited on God. Job teaches us that patience requires us to trust God. We are to trust and believe He is who He says He is. Even when we do not understand, when we feel neglected, cheated, or when life just throws up in our face, we hold firm to God. Job said, “though He slay me, yet I will trust Him.”2 Patience is complete trust in God.
So the next time patience is required of us, let us look to these examples and remember we are to do our part, wait on God’s timing, and trust in Him.
Your sister in Christ,
Charisa
