James 5:7-11 CSB
Therefore, brothers and sisters, 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 and sisters, do not complain about one another, so that you will not be judged. Look, the judge stands at the door! [10] Brothers and sisters, 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 that the Lord brought about-the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
Romans 6:23 CSB
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Waiting for the Lord
There is a comforting truth we often hear in the church: God never wastes a hurt. When we look at the hardships of this life, we realize they stem from a variety of sources—sometimes from our own missteps and turning away from God, sometimes from the painful choices of others, and sometimes simply from circumstances God allows to cultivate our spiritual growth.
When we look at the great heroes of Scripture—men like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, and Job—we hold them in high respect for their enduring faith. They stood remarkably strong, declaring the word of the Lord through their thoughts, words, and deeds, even in the midst of deep trial. They walked through adversity to the ultimate goal and blessings of their faith.
Why does our Heavenly Father allow trials in our lives? Scripture teaches us in Romans that tribulations produce perseverance, and that endurance develops a person with a strong mind and character. We can see an illustration of this in human growth and development. Have you ever watched a young child under stress? When they are very small, they might cry for hours as their baby teeth come in. As they grow into toddlers, they throw passionate tantrums when things do not go their way, and later in middle and high school as their hormones change, we see many bizarre behaviors and outbursts of emotion.
We expect and accept these reactions in a toddler because they lack maturity. But as people grow, so should their reactions to life’s hurdles. When someone in their twenties or beyond throws an emotional tantrum, we recognize it as a lack of maturity. Life’s experiences are meant to cultivate patience and endurance. It is a natural process, especially for those under the gentle care of our Heavenly Father.
God is deeply concerned about our lives here and now, but He also holds an eternal perspective. Our journey on this earth is brief compared to eternity, yet every one of us endures real hardships and pain along the way.
When we turn our gaze toward eternity, it subtly reshapes the way we view our present struggles, replacing immediate frustration with enduring hope. The temporary things of this world begin to grow strangely dim in the light of eternal realities. The hurts of today are softened by the sure hope we have in Jesus. He is God’s greatest gift to us—not only for this life, but for all eternity.
Sometimes, amidst the daily grind, we simply forget about our promised home in Heaven. The immediate problems of life can feel overwhelming, threatening to engulf us. In those seasons, the most powerful thing we can do is draw near to God in prayer, saturate ourselves in His Word, and take intentional time to reflect on His gifts—both now and in the life to come. When life feels heavy, it is a sweet practice to sit in quiet contemplation with pen and paper, carefully writing down the blessings of the past and the simple mercies of the present moment.
Reflection Questions
- When you face unexpected trials or delays, do your reactions more closely reflect impatient frustration or the patient endurance James encourages?
- How does fixing your eyes on the promise of eternity change your perspective on the specific struggles or hurts you are facing today?
- What is one practical way you can quiet your heart this week to sit with the Lord and count the blessings He has given you?
Prayer
Father,
Thank You for the gift of eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. When the trials and hurts of this world feel heavy, give us the grace to be patient and to strengthen our hearts in Your promises. Forgive us for the moments we lose sight of eternity and allow temporary problems to consume our minds. Remind us of Your deep compassion and mercy, and teach us to sit quietly in Your presence, counting Your blessings with thankful hearts. In the name of Jesus we pray.
Amen.
