An Example Of Suffering And Patience

by Pastor Mark
May 30, 2024

 

Cultivating an indomitable spirit

Are we able to overcome the difficult challenges of life? Some may find it hard to face these troubles. Some may feel anguish and discouragement…even feelings of giving up. This should not be an option. The challenge is cultivating an indomitable spirit to help us triumph over life’s suffering. The Apostle James sought to encourage his Jewish brethren as they faced various trials. He looked to the prophets of old as examples to follow.

The indomitable spirit of the prophets

“My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience.” (James 5:10)

  1. James chose the ancient prophets such as Isaiah and Jeremiah as his inspiration.
    1. They were outstanding examples of having spirits that would not give up.
    2. They were committed to speaking the Word of God in the authority and power of His name.
  2. An example of suffering
    1. As the prophets sought to preach the Word of God, many in Israel rejected His words.
    2. Many persecuted the prophets for preaching about God’s judgment on them.
    3. The prophets suffered much evil and afflictions for the Lord’s sake.
  3. An example of patience
    1. The prophets had to patiently teach the people about their sins and the judgment to come.
    2. For example, the prophet Jeremiah was imprisoned for speaking God’s judgment (Jeremiah 32:2).
    3. But he patiently continued to fulfil God’s plan for him in being His messenger.

The blessing of enduring

“Indeed we count them blessed who endure.” (James 5:11)

  1. The word “endure” (upomone) means to “persevere”.
    1. It is a stronger word than “patience” (makrothumia).
    2. Not only did the prophets have to be patient but also to persevere.
    3. Some of the prophets had to persevere through more suffering than others.
    4. They were able to persevere through all kinds of persecution.
  2. The blessing of enduring
    1. No matter how difficult their problems were.
    2. They were blessed as a result of their perseverance.
    3. The prophets were able to persevere through their troubles.

The perseverance of Job

“You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.” (James 5:11)

James selected Job as a great example of perseverance as Job had endured much suffering. He lost everything in his life: his children, flocks, servants, and much more (Job 1). His wife tormented him and his friends rebuked him. Job had many struggles, but he did not give up and persevered to the end.

The Lord blessed Job greatly by restoring all his losses and gave him twice as much (Job 42). The Lord blessed the latter days of Job much more than his beginning. This was the end intended by the Lord, for Job had persevered to the end despite facing great and difficult adversities. His life was greatly blessed as a result. This reflected God’s great compassion and mercy. Job and all the prophets experienced the reality of His compassion and mercy.

As we go through life’s difficulties, let us cultivate an indomitable spirit of patience and perseverance, being encouraged that God’s intended plan is to bless us through His great compassion and mercy.

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