Mature Disciples Are Patient - pt 2

A Study in the Book of James

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. James 5:7-12

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This week we are going to look at James’ second illustration for patience. Most of us have heard the metaphor, “The Patience of Job.” Job is certainly a model of patience in a mature disciple. He lost everything in his life except for his land and his wife, albeit he did lose her support. In all fairness, though, surely we must be able to sympathize with how devastated Sis. Job must have been. She had lost all her children in one day. “Forget the cows and camels,” she would tell us, “I lost my children, my babies!”

Without presuming to scrutinize Sis. Job’s heart or her standing with God amid her horrific pain, I’ll just speak to what we do know. In fact, that is precisely how Bro. Job made it through his tremendous loss- by concentrating on what he knew about God.

Job knew God could do anything.

“I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you.” Job 42:2 NLT

Job knew nothing was impossible for God! The faith he had in this fact enabled Job to wait patiently for God’s plan and purpose to be revealed.

Job knew God was a Redeemer.

“But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last.”  Job 19:25 NLT

Job knew that God would redeem even the worst situation imaginable. He trusted that God works all things for His glory and for the good of His people. Job had no idea why things happened like they did, but what he knew about God gave him unnatural (or maybe supernatural) patience!

The Bible described Job as perfect (mature), upright, and a man that feared God. Because he knew God, Job was able to trust in His mercy and compassion (James 5:11 NKJV). Job’s faith held, even in his darkest hour, and he never sinned nor charged God foolishly (Job 1:22). In the end, Job’s patience was rewarded!

Be patient with God, He has a plan.