Be Patient

                                                     When The Door Slams

Brothers and sisters, be patient until the Lord comes again. A farmer patiently waits for his valuable crop to grow from the earth and for it to receive the autumn and spring rains. You, too, must be patient. Do not give up hope, because the Lord is coming soon. Brothers and sisters, do not complain against each other or you will be judged guilty. And the Judge is ready to come! Brothers and sisters, follow the example of the prophets who spoke for the Lord. They suffered many hard things, but they were patient. We say they are happy because they did not give up. You have heard about Job's patience, and you know the Lord's purpose for him in the end. You know the Lord is full of mercy and is kind.                                                                                                          James 5:7-11

        The typical reaction in the midst of suffering and struggle for many people is to grumble and complain. The root of the grumbling often centers on a comparison game that is played. If we are struggling financially, we look at another couple who seems to be doing well financially and complain that we are not like them. They may in fact be struggling in some other area. The apostle Paul encouraged us not to compare ourselves with others. 

        We are also challenged not to gripe and focus on our problems and sufferings, but instead to follow the example of the prophets. The prophets stuck their necks out and pointed people to Christ. They were patient in the midst of the suffering they encountered because of the message they were sent to give.

        Think about this: James wants us to focus on the Lord's coming rather than on the suffering of the world present circumstances. Are you expectantly watching for the hand of the Lord to move in your life, or are you wallowing in self-pity because of your circumstances. Lord God, thank You for the serenity and joy that come from serving You. May I be strong and not lose courage, for my work will be rewarded. My faith does not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.

Ask the Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin.                                            Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.  

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