Patience During Difficult Times

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Chuckle: Jonah's Mother: "That's a nice story. Now tell me where you've really been."

Quote: "Like farmers, we must learn that we can't sow and reap the same day." --Unknown Author

"Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming" (James 5:7 NIV).

Most of us don't like to wait in line at the grocery store, doctor's office, traffic light, restaurant, etc. Restaurants even have the audacity to call the attendants "waiters." After all, we're the waiters - we do all the waiting. . . . We are an impatient generation and we want gratification right now, if not sooner.

Let's remember, "patience" is a fruit of the Spirit recorded in Galatians 5:22. To develop Godly patience requires the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit. In the next few lessons, we will be learning about patience from God’s Word.

As Christians, we need patience during difficult times. Those Christians to whom James wrote this first century letter were going through tough times -- persecution, suffering, hardships. One meaning of the Greek word for patience is to wait with long suffering -- never quit even when the going gets tough. When tempted to throw in the towel and quit, stand firm and stick to it even when everything in you wants to give it up.

"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV).

In a Christian's life, there are times of great emotional joy -- when God seems so close and so real and your joy comes from serving him. At other times, when it appears as if no one else cares about God, or his work, and you feel like the lone ranger, you feel like saying "Oh, what's the use." James says that's when God will give you patience.

Extraordinary patience is required by farmers during extreme draughts. Like that farmer who puts the seed in the ground and waits patiently for the harvest, that's what God wants us to do -- plant the seed of the good news and be patient as God's Holy Spirit brings forth the harvest in His own time. "You too, be patient and stand firm." (James 5:8 NIV).

Love, Jerry & Dotse