“For examples of patience in suffering, dear brothers and sisters, look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy” (James 5:10-11).
Patience is a virtue.
Good things come to those who wait.
A watched pot never boils.
Rome wasn’t built in a day.
We’ve all heard these sayings about patience, but putting this wisdom into practice is often a difficult task. In a society where we can command almost anything at our fingertips without even leaving the house, our patience has become very thin.
This is not a new phenomenon; this very thing is in our reading for today. The author reminds us all to “be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return” (James 5:7) and points to the patience of farmers waiting for the rain to water their crops. In both examples, we encounter a lot of trust that God will deliver on his promises, but the author also says God will come through.
In the reading, Job is listed as an example of someone who has great patience and endurance, but why does the author cite Job as an example? Let’s take a refresher on his story. Job was a wealthy man who lost it all—his family and wealth—yet he remained faithful to God. Despite feeling like his entire life had been kicked to the curb, Job decided to sit patiently and endure. But Job’s patience and endurance looked different than what we might imagine …
After a while, Job approaches God in the form of a conversation. Job talks to God and is sure God will be on his side, but the outcome is not what Job expects. Instead, God puts Job in his place, pointing out the vast knowledge and control God has and the little understanding Job has. Job repents, and God blesses him.
The thing about this story is that Job realizes God is huge and in control, but God also wants to be approached by us. God is mysterious, but God also wants us to seek him. We seek God and wait with patience for him to show up. Sometimes this is instant, and other times it may take a while. But here’s the thing: God does show up. God showed up for the Israelites, God showed up for David, and God showed up in Jesus.
Almost 2,000 years ago, a long time of waiting happened when Jesus was born. God’s promise showed up in the Messiah walking on earth. But the promise did not end there; in fact, Jesus lived and then died for the forgiveness of your sins. The promise of restoration happened; we all just needed to be patient. God shows up in large, life-changing ways, and we just need to be patient, as difficult as it can be.
Reflection:
- How does the example of the prophets’ patience in suffering inspire you in how you handle trials in your own life?
- What can you learn from Job’s perseverance, and how does Job’s story influence your understanding of God’s compassion and mercy?
- In what areas of your life do you need to develop greater patience and trust in God’s timing?