"Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord" James 5:10
We learn more in our valleys experiences than on our mountaintops. God often leads us through difficult times to teach us. This past Wednesday we took a look at a letter that James wrote to the Jewish Christians that were driven from Jerusalem be the persecution of the Jewish authorities. They were away from their homes and families and not welcomed by their new communities. We discussed how we deal with troubling times and how through the same perseverance of the old testament prophets we can remain patient as James was trying to convey in his letter. We believers have one thing to help us hold on and look forward to.
Be patient then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming near. James 57-9
There are two words in the New Testament for patience, the first deals with difficult situations and means to endure, the other is more personal and relates to how we handle ourselves with other people. It means to stay away from rage or furious outburst. James worried that the Christians would strike out against their persecutors.
As we discussed in class in dealing with our issues it is so much easier at time to call someone else out on their faults and to find blame but James reminds us we must be patient and trust God will see us through.
Anytime that you experience adversity, it is because God wants to show you His power and love. He may be getting your attention to free you from some emotional bondage, or possibly an attitude or behavior that is hindering His work.
Spend time this week in prayer to help you identify what God is teaching you through the valleys you have been experiencing and ask Him to help transform your life so that you can impact the world for His kingdom.
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