Title: Persevering Faith / (James 5: 7-11)
As you look back on the past ten years in your life, what do you regret saying, 'If you didn't quit and kept going'?
The Bible describes three types of mature people: first, those who control their tongue (James 3:2), second, those who like me and those who hate me (Matthew 5:43-48), and third. These are the people who have strong patience. (James 1:4)
Today, let's think together about "patience," or passing the moment of giving up.
There are diseases that are common today. This is the so-called Presto Syndrome. This is the phenomenon of trying to get everything easily and quickly, and the biggest characteristic of these people is that they have no will to try hard unless they can easily achieve success or get a quick reward. The cure for this disease is patience. Patience is a special quality that can be found in people who do not give up.
Many people live with the burden and pain of their hearts by giving up easily on something or someone. 'Why did I give up so easily?'
The answer is obvious. Because it is much easier to quit halfway than to endure with patience. But if you stop, you will pay a high price, and most of us have experienced paying the price of giving up prematurely.
This is James 1:12. "Blessed is he who endures trials (trials). After being approved in this way... he will receive the crown of life."
The God of the Bible is long-suffering with humans (Ex. 34: 6: Neh 9: 17). Therefore, our patience is to imitate God's mercy. It is also the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22), and it is the uniform that Christians must wear in their daily life (Col 3:12).
James gives three specific examples of patience.
As farmers wait for the precious fruit of the earth and wait patiently for the rain (vv. 7-8), he told them not to grumble against each other (v. 9). And he told them to set the prophets as examples of suffering and perseverance (10). v.) (For example, take Jeremiah's patience.)
It also tells of the patience of Job, the master of patience (v. 11). Through patience, Job learned that "the Lord is the most merciful and merciful." And look at the conclusion the Lord gave to Job.
So, how can we develop patience?
One way to develop patience is to get past the moment of giving up. We give up easily in almost everything, thinking of a taste of temporary comfort.
But what does the truth of God say? “Blessed is the one who endures” (James 1:12) “He who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:13) will be.
You may be facing a moment of giving up at work right now. Also, you might be thinking of getting a divorce. You may be spiritually on the verge of giving up, or you may be facing too many moments of giving up and thinking about ending your life. The moment you want to give up halfway is a painful moment.
The most perfect form of patience can be found in Jesus Christ, who took up the cross by accepting his own painful death for this sinful world. He “for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame” (Hebrews 12:2).
The book of Hebrews says that Jesus is the High Priest who “has suffered all the trials that we face” (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus endured both external pressures and internal conflicts. They also had to suffer physically.
In Luke 23:46 we read the last words of Jesus. "Father, into your hands I entrust my soul." And he died. Jesus has succeeded in making a way for us to restore our relationship with the Father. Our sins have been fully paid. Perseverance is a victory!
“We are sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6) Amen!