Words of Wisdom #22

In the paragraph we read from James 5 yesterday, we were exhorted against selfishly storing up the things of this world, while ignoring the needs of others, because someday those things will all be taken away. Today, James continues to keep us looking forward:

7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. 10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

What often happens when we don't get what we want when we want it? We become impatient and complain: we complain against God and take it out on those around us. We forget how patient God is with us. His patience, compassion and mercy are like a three stranded chord we can depend on. We are to be patient like He is, like the prophets and Job were. Why can God demand so much from us? Because we have seen the purpose of the Lord - God is not rushed: He plans, He plants, He waters, He cultivates, He watches and waits for just the right moment; He does things right. He will return at just the right time