Friday, September 16, 2011

Patience Until Christ Return

That's a long time to be patient, I can't wait!


James 5:7-12 Therefore, brothers, be patient until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth and is patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also must be patient.

Strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near. 9 Brothers, do not complain about one another, so that you will not be judged. Look, the judge stands at the door!

10 Brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the Lord’s name as an example of suffering and patience. 11 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.

We used to say that something boring was about as much fun as watching the grass grow. Just imagine the fun that you will have while you are waiting for the seeds of patience to grow. It seems to take forever to before the seedlings pop up from the dirt and then you still have a long way to go before you get to eat any fruit.

James tells us that we have to live a lifestyle of patience until the day that Christ returns. Being patient isn't a natural instinct and nobody gets patient overnight, people will get at you and irritate you, they will talk bad about you and judge you (James 5:9) and they will treat you like Jobs friends treated him.
 
Nobody is after me right now but when they are I need to remember that God is in control (James 5:8) and he will reward me for my endurance and patience (James 5:11). I need to be able to wait without becoming annoyed or anxious.

Lord help me to be extend grace to those that are annoying, help me to see them as you do, with compassion and mercy.