– Scripture:

“Meanwhile, friends, wait patiently for the Master’s Arrival. You see, farmers do this all the time, waiting for their valuable crops to mature, patiently letting the rain do its slow but sure work. Be patient like that. Stay steady and strong. The Master could arrive at any time. Friends, don’t complain about each other. A far greater complaint could be lodged against you, you know. The Judge is standing just around the corner. Take the old prophets as your mentors. They put up with anything, went through everything, and never once quit, all the time honoring God. What a gift life is to those who stay the course! You’ve heard, of course, of Job’s staying power, and you know how God brought it all together for him at the end. That’s because God cares, cares right down to the last detail. And since you know that he cares, let your language show it. Don’t add words like “I swear to God” to your own words. Don’t show your impatience by concocting oaths to hurry up God. Just say yes or no. Just say what is true. That way, your language can’t be used against you.”

                                James 5:7–12 MSG

– Reflection:

                Destroying Your Life From Within

James encourages believers to remain patient until the promised judgment of the ungodly. Jesus is our best example of suffering. When faced with wrongful accusations and the threat of death, His response was to remain patient, quiet, and focused on God’s will for Him. Jesus did not defend Himself against His enemies; instead, He allowed His Heavenly Father to come to His defense.

Where do we go from here?

Jesus committed Himself to suffering to fulfill God’s plan and reveal His infinite love. When you suffer unjustly, what examples from Jesus’ suffering can you implement and follow? God is able to use man’s injustice for His glory and our good. While suffering, we are made more holy and become more like Jesus. When you find yourself in troubling circumstances, choose to believe that just as Jesus controlled His destiny, He also controlled yours.

Our Prayer for Today

Father God, You are our compassionate and merciful God able to control and command the most difficult issues in life. Lord, help us to patiently endure hardship. Help us not to be moved by the way we feel or by the way things appear. Remind us of Your unfailing love when we are tempted to doubt Your goodness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.