Examples of Patience

Scripture:

Brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the Lord’s name as an example of suffering and patience.

See, we count as blessed those who have endured. You have heard of Job’s endurance and have seen the outcome from the Lord: the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.
James 5:10-11


Observation:

In today’s passage, we see James continuing to encourage his brothers and sisters to remain patient. Look at the prophets, James says, because they are examples of patience during suffering. Who are some of the prophets that showed patience during suffering? Consider Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, and many others. Each has a story of suffering. Elijah ran for his life for years because Queen Jezebel sought to kill him. Jewish tradition says Isaiah died when he was sawn in two by order of King Manasseh. Jeremiah was attacked by his own brothers, tossed into a cistern, and multiple times his life was threatened. Daniel was thrown into a lion’s den. There is account after account in the Old Testament of prophets being mistreated for speaking truth. By name, interestingly, James only mentions Job. Job lost everything, including all of his children and all of his wealth, and yet by the compassion and mercy of God, God “blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the earlier” (Job 42:12a).


Application:

Perspective is a wonderful gift! Considering what others have suffered because they remained true to what God was calling them, the light and temporary trials we experience in North America are miniscule.

God has blessed me beyond measure, and I am so thankful!


Prayer:

Thank You, Lord, for Your many, many blessings!