PATIENCE

"As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord" (James 5:10).


The prophets of old suffered hardship and demonstrated patience.  Our new message series, "10 Who Overcame", is based on this idea.  We sometimes look back on the heroes of the faith as if they weren't human.  We forget that they sinned, that they struggled, and that they suffered just like we do.  It's encouraging to read their stories and to see how they overcame.  A pretty good list of biblical heroes is found in Hebrews 11.


Today, imagine that the Bible is still being written and that you are one of the characters that is being written about.  Try writing down the details of your day--the good and the bad.  At the end of the day--determine what the message of God is in your life today.  What could others learn about God from your day?

PATIENCE

"You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near" (James 5:8).

 

To strengthen your heart is to stabalize it. It is to fall back upon what you know to be undeniably true. What promises has God made to you? Remember them...rehearse them...trust them. Difficult times will always come. Use them as an opportunity to strengthen your heart.

 

We should also remind ourselves today that patience is a fruit of the Spirit--a gift from God (Gal. 5:22-23). Jesus promises that our Father will give the Holy Spirit to us if we will only ask.

 

Today, invite God's Holy Spirit to fill you--to saturate you through and through. Find a promise from God and stand on it.

PATIENCE

"Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains" (James 5:7).

 

Almost all of us are going through some tough times these days--financially, relationally, physically, emotionally, and even spiritually. You may want to quit but the message for us today is, "be patient"--Jesus is coming! Be patient (like a farmer) because the crops are coming. The rain is coming and the harvest is coming. Your deliverance is coming. Lord Jesus is coming with all that He is and all that He does!

 

The word "patient" carries the idea of having an attitude that can endure delay, can bear suffering, and never gives up. Your suffering is for a season--and then it will lift. Be patient!

 

Today, should feel your heart giving up or despairing--close your eyes and remind yourself that Jesus is even now on His way to rescue you. He is coming!