Joyful in God’s Sovereignty

Book of James Church New Hope Baptist Date 29 September 2024

Bible Reading: James 5:1-11 Scripture Ref: James 5:7-11

Title: Joyful in God’s Sovereignty

Introduction

Good morning! Praise God for His continued mercy and the grace in which we stand. May He fill our minds with His wisdom and our hearts with hope for His inevitable return.

Welcome back to our series on James. Today, we reach the final instruction and conclusion of James’s letter, addressed to the Jewish Christians scattered outside Jerusalem, who were enduring various trials and persecutions.

This morning, our study focuses on James 5:7-11, so please place your favourite bookmark in that passage in your Bibles. However, let’s open our Bibles and read from verses 1 through 11. I invite you to stand with me as we read God’s Word together.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We praise You for Your sovereignty and wisdom. You know the beginning from the end and have established our lives according to Your purpose and plan. Your mighty acts declare Your glory, and we are blessed because they work for our good.

Father, let our hearts rejoice in this truth. Help us examine ourselves—are we truly expecting and anticipating the return of our risen Savior, or are we content to remain in this sin-corrupted world?

Teach us today what it means to be patient. Teach us the true joy found in suffering and endurance through trials and testings. Help us to anchor our hearts, not in this world, but in our Savior, who has promised to return.

Grant us hearts of understanding, minds filled with wisdom, hands ready for work, and feet firmly grounded in Your Word. Be with us and preach Your Word to us today. Change and convict us to move towards righteousness and holiness.

We ask this in the name of Your Son, the King who will return. Amen.

Joyful in God’s Sovereignty

Create a Propositional Statement with the 3 points

As believers awaiting the return of our Lord, we are called to live with patient endurance, trusting in God's perfect timing, even amid suffering and injustice. In James 5:7-11, we are exhorted to be like the farmer who patiently waits for the harvest, to endure like the prophets who faithfully proclaimed God's Word in the face of opposition, and to remember Job, who experienced God's compassion and mercy despite his immense trials.

I want us to discover how this patient perseverance not only prepares us for Christ's return but also deepens our trust in God's purposes, challenging us to respond faithfully in every season of life.

So when we face seasons of frustration, disappointment, or suffering, we are not called to grumble or lose heart, but to strengthen our hearts in the hope that God is working all things for His glory and our good. This means cultivating a faith that remains steadfast in every trial, knowing that the Judge is at the door, ready to vindicate His people.

As we leave this place and face the world, let us meditate on this question:

Will we, as a church, commit to endure faithfully, trusting in the Lord's timing and showing patience with one another as we wait for His return?

May our lives reflect the peace and perseverance of Christ, that others may see our hope is not in our circumstances, but in our unshakable God.

· The Joyful Patience v7-9

· The Joyful Endurance v10-11a

· The Joyful Assurance v11b

1 The Joyful Patience v7-9

7Be patient therefore, brethren,

**unto the coming of the Lord.

Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth,

and hath long patience for it,

until he receive the early and latter rain.

8Be ye also patient;

stablish your hearts:

**for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

9Grudge not one against another, brethren,

lest ye be condemned:

behold, the judge standeth before the door.

Look at the beginning of verse 7: 7Be patient therefore, brethren,

**unto the coming of the Lord.

As James concludes his letter, he returns to his earlier exhortation in James 1:2-3:

James 1:2–3 2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

He encourages them to be filled with deep, immeasurable joy, even in the face of trials and tests because they know the testing of their faith produces endurance.

(Joy and Patience: Two Sides of the Same Coin)

Why does James begin with the exhortation to be governed by joy (James 1:2) and conclude with a call to patience (James 5:7)? At first glance, joy and patience may seem like separate ideas, but they are, in fact, two sides of the same coin. Together, they help believers endure trials and grow in spiritual maturity.

Joy is not merely superficial happiness. My former pastor used to say, “Happiness depends on happenings.” Joy, therefore, is not a reaction; it is an intentional response rooted in faith in God’s sovereignty.

While joy is anchored in our hearts, patience enables us to endure trials with steadfastness. Patience empowers us to persevere through pain and difficulties, exercising and strengthening our faith in the process which gives us spiritual endurance.

In this way, we can say that joy is the strength that sustains us through trials, while patience is the fuel that allows us to endure over the long haul.

Why Are Joy and Patience Necessary?

They are necessary because we live in a fallen, sinful world. Everyone—Christians and non-believers alike—faces pain, stress, sorrow, grief, sickness, and death.

However, Christians experience unique struggles that stem from their faith, such as persecution, spiritual warfare, temptations specific to their weaknesses, societal rejection, moral and ethical dilemmas, and suffering for righteousness' sake.

Believers are called to grow in sanctification, intercede for others, sacrifice for the sake of the gospel, and witness to unbelievers. Without joy and patience, these trials can easily overwhelm a follower of Christ.

When we lack joy and patience, we lose sight of God's sovereignty. Instead of trusting His plan, we may rely on our own strength and abilities, leading to frustration and spiritual exhaustion. Our trials become more challenging, and we may even begin to doubt God’s faithfulness. Joy and patience remind us that God is with us in our struggles and that He has a purpose for our growth and sanctification.

Without joy, a Christian risks losing hope and assurance in God’s promises. Without patience, one becomes vulnerable to sin, spiritually weak, and prone to discontentment.

James teaches that joy and patience are crucial because they reflect a heart that trusts in God's sovereignty. When we embrace these qualities, we demonstrate spiritual maturity and steadfast hope in Christ’s return.

This not only sustains us through trials but also serves as a powerful witness to the world. Patience allows us to endure life’s difficulties without growing bitter or losing hope, while joy enables us to maintain peace, trusting that God’s timing is perfect.

James says: 7Be patient therefore, brethren,

**unto the coming of the Lord.

If we look carefully at the phrase “be patient,” we see that it is not just a request or an invitation to consider. In Greek, the phrase is “makrothumeō.” The prefix “makro” means long, while “thumeō” refers to the soul or spirit, particularly in the context of strong passion or desire. It’s even stronger than simply referring to anger or temper. When we combine these two words, we get the idea of having a long temper as opposed to a short temper. So, James is essentially saying, “be long-tempered.” This is an imperative command that conveys a sense of decisive, committed action, especially in trying circumstances. It often relates to enduring difficult situations without retaliating.

(Illustration) The word patience gives us a picture of a stick of dynamite, but unlike regular dynamite, this one has an incredibly long fuse—so long that it stretches beyond what you can even see. The moment you light the fuse, it barely starts to burn. The flame moves so slowly that its embers fade before they can even make progress. You try to light it again, but it flickers out just as quickly. No matter how hard you try, it seems like this dynamite will never go off because the fuse is so hard to light up.

This is what biblical patience is all about: it actively resists anger. It diffuses potential outbursts, leading to calm and peace rather than reacting and exploding. Biblical patience extinguishes any signs of disappointment or frustration, choosing instead to embrace joy and patience.

Please listen, loved ones: if our patience depends on our own will, strength, and determination, doubt will soon creep in, and we will become exhausted. The Lord warns us in His parable of the Sower in Matthew 13:20-21:

Matthew 13:20–21

20But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon (immediately) with joy receiveth it;

21Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

Although he initially received the word with joy, that joy was temporary. It was not sustained through tribulation or persecution because he did not consistently root himself in God’s word. Have a look at the beginning of verse 7 again:

James 5:7

7Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord.

James exhorts the Jewish believers to be patient, to demonstrate long-suffering, and to show steadfast endurance in the face of trials because of the coming of the Lord.

The reason for this call to patience and endurance is directly tied to the Lord’s return. James emphasizes that believers can endure suffering and hardship with patience, knowing that Christ's coming is imminent and that God’s justice will ultimately prevail.

Loved ones, I believe that as the modern western Christian church, we are often not consistently grounded in God’s word. Instead, we find ourselves caught up in the stony places of this world.

There is an imbalance in our focus. We often place greater emphasis on Christian ethics, discipleship, and social issues, concentrating on how to live out our faith in the present.

While this is not wrong, I believe we should also give equal attention to living a life of faith in light of Christ’s return. Scripture encourages us to set our minds on things above (Colossians 3:2) and to remain watchful for His coming (Matthew 24:42).

As we learned from chapter 4:13, James rebukes the Jewish Christians for having the mindset of living for today as they make plans for the future, a future that only accomplish what they can sell or gain here in this world and not consider God’s will in their plans.

We lack the desire, the yearning, the hunger, and the thirst for God’s word, choosing instead to be satisfied by the fleeting and sinful pleasures of this world.

How do we know this? Because we do not live with a mindset of anticipation and expectation for the coming of the Lord.

When was the last time you meditated on the coming of the Lord? Do you look forward to it? Do you anticipate it? Do you expect it? Do you hope for it?

If you do, I’m sure your life and priorities would be different.

Or are you still hoping to win the lottery? Is your heart set on financial freedom, career advancement, or business success? Are you seeking validation and acceptance from society to elevate your social status?

Perhaps you prioritize material wealth and the comforts of this world over your spiritual growth. Remember, Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).

Loved ones, if you are truly anticipating and expecting the return of our Savior, your priorities, direction, and every aspect of your life—whether in marriage, family, education, career, and even socially—will be purposeful, intentional, and motivated by the coming of the Lord.

You will prioritize the meaningful study of God’s Word. You will prioritize the spiritual growth and edification of your spouse and children. You will prioritize the edification and fellowship of the church. God will be first and foremost in your life, and everything else will fall into place beneath Him.

Do you know what? Instead of this verse serving as a source of hope for us, as it did for the Jewish Christians, it has become a rebuke.

Believers in the early New Testament church had a vivid and urgent expectation of the Lord's coming, which they understood to be the climax of God's redemptive plan.

Their concerns were focused on when Christ would return and how it would unfold, particularly because they believed His return was imminent. Their lives reflected this belief to the extent that they were willing to suffer and even die for it.

Today, while the return of Christ remains a core belief of our Christian faith, the sense of urgency, imminence, and focus on His second coming have significantly diminished.

Many Christians believe that suffering is inherently wrong and resist the idea of trials as a means to prove or strengthen their faith. Spiritual endurance and faith are often lacking, and our default response tends to be asking God to remove us from difficult situations, rather than seeking His grace to endure them.

Do you fear the trials more than God? Do you fear sickness or terminal illness more than God? Does your love for this world much more than your love for God that you are not willing to spend your time whenever the church gathers together?

Loved ones, sometimes it is God's will for us to go through trials so that we may exercise our faith in Him, loosen our grip on the fleeting promises of this sinful world, and learn to endure testing with joy and patience.

We desire to have "all these things" added to us first, rather than seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Our priorities are backward.

Let us be reminded of the fate of the unjust rich who hoarded wealth and riches, only for those very possessions to testify against them in the judgment as evidence of their sin against God.

James 5:1–3

1Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.

2Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.

3Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.

Loved ones, do you see the stark difference between the days of the unjust and the justified?

For the unjust, the "last days" represent finality; it’s the end, the ultimate point of no return. In those days, there will be no opportunity for repentance. The mercy of God will be withdrawn, and instead, they will face His just wrath and judgment, ultimately being cast away from His presence.

It’s crucial to understand this warning: the treasures of the unjust are not a source of hope but a path to destruction. They believe they are securing their future, but in reality, they are sealing their own fate. The last days for them will be filled with regret, as they have stored up treasures for a future devoid of continuation, hope, and salvation.

These verses may offer some comfort to those who are oppressed, providing “indirect assurance” that the unjust rich, who have condemned and killed the righteous, will receive God’s just punishment.

However, James’ message is not solely focused on that. Yes, God will punish the unjust, but James directs the Christians to focus on themselves: "You be patient for the coming of the Lord."

Therefore, as we live lives of humility and submission to God, let us also be intentional in our patience. We should not sit back passively, simply waiting for the Lord’s return. Instead, we must actively cultivate hearts eager to reflect Christ’s love and truth in a world that desperately needs it.

So, how can we practice and apply intentional patience as we await the coming of the Lord?

James provides us with three examples.

Let’s look at the first example found in the middle of verse 7: James 5:7

7… Behold, the husbandman (farmer) waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

You cannot be a farmer without patience. Do you know the primary challenges farmers face that are also applicable to Christians? (5)

1. Dependence on Weather Conditions

Farmers rely heavily on the right weather—rain at the right time, in the right amount, along with sufficient sunlight. These factors are completely beyond their control. Too little or too much rain at the wrong time can ruin the crops.

Similarly, Christians face many uncertainties in life, such as unexpected trials, “seemingly” delayed answers to prayer, or unfair circumstances. Yet, just like the farmer, Christians must practice long-suffering and steadfast patience, trusting in God's perfect timing.

2. Hard, Backbreaking Work

Farming requires relentless physical labour—preparing and tilling the soil, planting seeds, tending crops, and protecting them from pests. Farmers endure long hours under the sun or in the rain. It is physically and mentally exhausting, and all this hard work yields no immediate results and no assurance of a successful and bountiful harvest.

Likewise, Christians are called to persist and endure in their faith and sanctification. We may not see immediate results. Sometimes, prayers might not even be answered in our lifetime.

1 Corinthians 15:58

58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

3. Dependence on Soil and Fertilization

Farmers rely on the quality and fertility of the soil to produce a good harvest. Despite all their labour, bad or infertile soil can still lead to crop failure.

In the same way, Christians depend on God's mercy and grace for their spiritual growth. Even after much effort in service and ministry, the fruit of our labour may not be immediately evident. But we trust that God will bring about the harvest in His perfect timing.

4. Dealing with Pests, Weeds, and Disease

Farmers must constantly battle pests, weeds, and diseases that threaten their crops. These threats require vigilance and proactive care.

In the same way, Christians are called to put on the whole armor of God to stand against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:11). James exhorts believers to resist the devil while drawing near to God, cleansing their hands and purifying their hearts (James 4:7-8). These are intentional acts of guarding against sin, distractions, and spiritual attacks that could hinder spiritual growth and maturity.

5. Waiting for the Right Season

Farmers cannot rush the harvest. They must wait for the right season to plant and for the crops to mature and ripen before they can enjoy the benefits.

Similarly, Christians must wait on God's will, trusting in His mercy, grace, and provision. Loved ones, remember and take note of this: true harvest is not the success we achieve in this world, but the ultimate redemption that will come when Christ returns.

We see this truth in the next verse, where James illustrates the importance of patience through the example of the farmer and urges his readers to take the lesson to heart.

In verse 8, James builds on this illustration by offering a deeper and more personal call to action, moving beyond the farmer’s patience - to emphasize the need for believers to actively strengthen their hearts in anticipation of the Lord’s return.

Have a look at verse 8: 8Be ye also patient;

stablish your hearts:

**for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

James’s call to patience is not a passive, idle waiting, like standing at a bus stop for the next ride. Instead, it’s a wilful endurance against suffering.

He reiterates the command to be patient, now adding another layer of instruction: to strengthen their hearts. This echoes the imagery of the good soil in the parable of the Sower, which must be firmly established to bear fruit.

Luke 8:15

15But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

Why Did James Instruct Believers to “Strengthen Their Hearts”?

Waiting for the coming of the Lord requires more than the physical strength of a farmer; it necessitates a wilful submission and obedience to God’s will as we endure trials.

This active submission involves seeking God through prayer, immersing ourselves in His Word, and engaging in fellowship with other believers, all of which help fortify our faith. In other words, if you are not found in those things, you are weakening your heart.

James calls the church to be spiritually prepared by pursuing growth and strengthening their faith. Unlike the farmer, whose harvest is temporary and whose toil recurs annually, the reality of the Lord’s coming is both imminent and eternal.

James shifts our focus from a fleeting harvest - to the lasting blessings found in Christ—namely, the gift of salvation, the hope of eternal life, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

While the farmer waits for the right season to reap his crop, believers anticipate the imminent return of Christ. This waiting is not for mere earthly outcomes but for the complete fulfillment of God’s kingdom.

While a farmer’s patience consists of waiting after completing his labour, Christians are called to actively strengthen their hearts in patience. They must guard against fear, doubt, and complacency by engaging in prayer, fostering accountability within the body of Christ, and diligently studying Scripture.

Ultimately, while the farmer awaits his harvest, Christians are in a posture of eager anticipation for the return of the very person of Christ, the fulfillment of all our hopes and the source of our eternal joy.

Having understood this call to strengthen our hearts as we patiently wait for the coming of the Lord, how does this process of sanctification influence our relationships within the body of Christ? Have a look at verse verse 9: 9Grudge notone against another, brethren,

lest ye be condemned:

behold, the judge standeth before the door.

Do you see what James is doing here? He begins by illustrating patience with the example of a farmer in verse 7. Then, he elevates that example and presents it as an application for their lives. Now, James is correcting their behaviour regarding how they wait.

He says at the beginning of verse 9

9Grudge not one against another, brethren,

They were rebuked for having quarrels and conflicts at the beginning of chapter 4 but we know those things begin with grudging, whining and complaining.

He says in chapter 4:11 James 4:11

11Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.

From our previous study, we learned that to slander and condemn a brother is to elevate ourselves above God’s law and even above God Himself. The unjust rich man has oppressed them and treated them unjustly. James is saying that instead of fostering tensions and divisions within the church, they should strive for harmony and unity among believers. Loved ones, in times of suffering, rather than turning against each other, we should support one another. Christian fellowship is vital, especially during trials.

We often become comfortable with the realities of this world, and unfortunately, that includes tolerating sin. Yet, God’s Word teaches us that division within the local church often starts with grudges. These grudges eventually turn into slander and condemnation, escalating into full-blown conflicts and quarrels. Christians often act this way without thinking about the consequences, showing a disregard for who God is—both personally and in relation to His church.

There’s not only a lack of awareness about God’s judgment on those who cause division, but also a disconnection from God Himself. We can easily lose sight of His character and His mighty works. While we may fear the consequences of our actions, we lack a proper reverence for God, failing to fear Him as we should.

Grudges start in the heart. The word itself means to sigh, groan, or express grief or discontent. It refers to a deep-seated resentment or bitterness harboured against someone due to a past offense, hurt, or perceived wrongdoing. It’s an inward act of unforgiveness and a persistent justification of bitterness and discontentment toward another person.

On a side note, I just find God’s word amazing. Both the terms "be patient" and "grudge"symbolically involve the act of inhaling or exhaling air. In Hebrew, the idiom for patience is “long nose,” which implies that a patient person, having a long nose, can take a deep breath, and stress does not bother them. In contrast, holding a grudge is the opposite: it sighs and exhales air, expressing discontentment.

Do you see how patience restrains us while grudges let’s bitterness spill out of us? That’s why James says 9Grudge notone against another, brethren,

lest ye be condemned:

behold, the judge standeth before the door.

He points the church to the judge who stands before the door.

What did he say in chapter 4:12? James 4:12

12There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

Loved ones, we must live with a constant awareness that God’s judgment is near and could occur at any moment. This means that the Lord’s return is imminent, and as Christians, we need to recognize that God will soon hold us accountable for our actions, particularly in how we treat one another.

As I mentioned in our previous study, we hold no power or authority to harbor grudges against one another, for God is the ultimate Judge. He presides over His courtroom, observing every thought and deed. Only God has the ability to righteously pronounce judgment and to evaluate our hearts and actions with perfect justice.

**Imagine the last thing a criminal would want: a judge present, witnessing his crimes and catching him red-handed.

Beloved, don’t be deceived. We may hide and hoard grudges in the secret corners of our hearts, believing that no one knows about them. Yet, we have a witness: God Himself. In the privacy of our sin, God stands over our shoulders, witnessing the very act of sin we commit against Him.

So I urge you brethren to examine your hearts. Are there grudges you are holding onto? Are there divisions among us that need healing?

If you find bitterness and resentment lurking in your soul, I invite you to lay those aside, repent of that sin and turn to the One who offers true forgiveness—Jesus Christ. He came to reconcile us not only with one another but also with God. Loved ones, rejoice with patience in the Lord.

For those who do not yet know Him, I implore you to consider the weight of your sin and the judgment that awaits. Yet, there is hope! Christ, our Savior, has paid the price for our transgressions and invites you into a relationship with Him. The coming of the Lord is at hand and the Judge is standing right at the door.

As we meditate and reflect in the coming of the Lord, the call to unity, the reality of God knowing and witnessing our most secret sins, and what it means to be patient, James directs our attention to the prophets, a second example of those who faced great hardships and trials yet remained steadfast in their faith.

2 The Joyful Endurance v10-11a

10Take, my brethren, the prophets,

who have spoken in the name of the Lord,

for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. 11Behold, we count them happy (blessed) which endure.

To further encourage the Jewish Christians suffering from persecution and injustice, James directs their attention to the examples of the prophets who endured suffering with great patience.

Becoming a prophet is not typically viewed as a wise career choice; young boys do not aspire to be prophets. The calling of a prophet—a divine appointment by God—is often met with reluctance, fear, and a sense of inadequacy.

For instance, when God called Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt and speak on His behalf, Moses initially resisted, citing his poor speaking abilities and asking God to send someone else.

Similarly, Jeremiah protested his youthfulness, saying, "Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth" (Jeremiah 1:6).

Even Jonah, as we learned in recent weeks, fled from God's command to prophesy to Nineveh, unwilling to extend mercy to Israel's enemies.

People do not aspire to become prophets because the burden is so heavy. The messages they delivered were often unpopular, filled with warnings of judgment, calls to repentance, and predictions of disaster.

Prophets suffered both physically and emotionally due to their ministry; their warnings and calls to repentance were often met with hostility, resulting in persecution, imprisonment, or even death at the hands of the people, rulers, and religious leaders.

Thus, prophets are not born from human ambition; they are chosen and commissioned by God, regardless of their skills, age, or desires.

Throughout Scripture, we see that God often works through the weak vessels of humanity to accomplish His great purposes. He does not call the strongest, the most eloquent, or the most qualified by worldly standards.

Instead, God delights in using those who appear weak, flawed, and inadequate to display His power and glory. In doing so, He reminds us that it is not human strength that advances His kingdom but His sovereign grace working through our frailty.

James uses the prophets not to elevate them as “super Christians” or idealized figures but to emphasize their humanity. While they were called and empowered by God, they were still sinful flawed individuals who faced trials, opposition, and suffering.

By highlighting the prophets' perseverance amid significant challenges—including rejection, persecution, and even physical harm—James inspires the Jewish Christians to maintain their faith and patience through their own trials.

Moreover, the prophets often spoke of future events and deliverance that was not immediately realized. James exhorts the church to exercise their faith and trust in God’s will and His eventual deliverance.

By using the example of the prophets, James teaches the church that, like them, the prophets are humans—imperfect yet called by the same God who ordains them to serve among the people and places they were called to.

And since God is the one who calls, sustains, is faithful, and sovereign, what did James say at the beginning of verse 11?

"Behold, we count them happy (blessed) who endure."

I invite you to pause and meditate on this phrase, which serves as our foundation in our trials and testings. We are counted or considered happy when we endure.

A better rendering of this is “we count them blessed,” which applies to those who endure—not because they are happy for what has happened to them, but because they are blessed by God’s favour, who ordained them and gave them mercy and grace to endure.

Is this verse saying that those who endure will always be emotionally happy? No, they are blessed because they are living a life of patience that is pleasing to God. God is their ultimate reward, contentment, and blessing.

Loved ones, is God sufficient for you? Is He your all in all? Will you still be rejoicing while enduring testing?

To Job, God is more than enough, even though he experienced unique circumstances that brought him to his knees. He lost all his wealth, his children, his body was riddled with loathsome boils, he was abandoned by his wife, discouraged by his friends, and publicly humiliated. Have a look at James 5:11b.

3 The Joyful Assurance v11b

Ye have heard of the patience of Job,

and **have seen the end of the Lord;

**that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

Despite suffering physical and emotional affliction, Job's greatest test was not those hardships but the spiritual anguish and confusion he experienced from the very God he served.

Job was a righteous man who feared God, yet he suffered as though he had sinned against Him. This was his most trying affliction. The thought that a just and loving God had abandoned him—allowing all his wealth, possessions, and relationships to be taken from him—caused deep confusion, doubt, and internal conflict.

Although Job is not explicitly called a prophet in the traditional sense, as he did not deliver a direct message from God, James includes Job alongside the prophets because he is equally counted as blessed for his patience and endurance. Job's affliction was not the result of human rejection of God’s message but rather God’s will and purpose in putting Job through such trials to fulfill His divine plans.

Through Job’s affliction, God directs him to pray and offer sacrifices for his friends, acting as a mediator on their behalf. Instead of cutting ties with his discouraging friends, Job became their mediator.

Unlike the prophets, who often did not experience physical deliverance, Job’s story ends with a tangible, dramatic restoration of his fortunes and relationships. God restored his health, doubled his wealth, and gave him more children.

While the prophets were often vindicated through God’s judgment or the future fulfillment of their prophecies, Job received a personal audience with God. In Job 38–41, God speaks directly to Job out of the whirlwind, giving him a profound encounter with the Almighty.

The prophets often suffered as a result of delivering God’s message to rebellious people. They were persecuted, rejected, and sometimes killed because they proclaimed the word of God. Job’s suffering, however, was not tied to any message he delivered or rejection by people; rather, it was a test of his personal faith and trust in God.

Unlike the prophets, who were often given insight into God’s purposes (even if they faced rejection), Job was left in the dark. He was not privy to the heavenly scene where God allowed Satan to test him (Job 1–2). His blessing is greater in that he continued to trust and remain faithful to God, even when he had no answers.

The narrative of Job's life reveals God’s mercy in a personal and profound way. Despite Job's deep anguish and questioning, God never abandoned him. Job ultimately saw that God’s purpose was for God’s own glory and for Job’s good.

Loved ones, do you have the joyful assurance found only in God?

Conclusion Application

How do you respond to trials and delays in your lives? Are you quick to grow anxious, impatient, or frustrated when things don’t happen in your timing?

The farmer waits patiently for the rain because he knows he cannot control it. Like him, we must learn to trust God’s timing in our seasons of waiting.

The prophets endured hardship without wavering, we are called to stand firm in faith, even when the circumstances around us seem uncertain or painful.

Job persevered through suffering without fully understanding God's plan, we too must trust in God’s goodness, even when His purposes remain hidden to us. Is God calling you to practice patience in a particular area of your life?

Perhaps you are waiting for an answer to prayer, an answer for a difficult situation, or deliverance from suffering. Instead of focusing on the difficulties or feeling overwhelmed by the delay, beloved, shift your gaze to the Lord's promised return. Strengthen your heart with the knowledge that He is near, and His purposes for you are good.

Take time this week to pray and ask God to increase your patience and trust in Him. Let’s challenge ourselves to endure, knowing that God is full of compassion and mercy, and that His reward is not just the resolution of our earthly struggles, but His presence with us in the midst of them.

Will you choose to trust and wait on the Lord, knowing that His purposes are always for your ultimate good and His glory?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, We come before You with hearts humbled by Your Word and grateful for Your unfailing love and mercy. We confess our impatience in times of trial and our tendency to doubt when Your plans seem hidden from us.

Forgive us, Lord, for the times we have grown weary in waiting, and strengthen our hearts to trust in Your perfect timing.

Teach us, like the farmer, to wait with patience, knowing that You are faithful to bring about Your purposes. Help us to endure, like the prophets and Job, with steadfast faith, even when our circumstances are difficult and we cannot see the way forward.

Remind us daily that You are full of compassion and mercy, and that You are with us in our struggles.

Lord, we place our hope in the promise of Christ’s return, knowing that all things will be made right in Your time. Until then, help us to walk in patience, trusting in Your sovereignty and resting in Your goodness. May we be a people who reflect Your grace, enduring with joy, and pointing others to the hope we have in You.

We give You all the honour and glory, and we pray all these things with the hope of our Savior's imminent return. Amen.