Patient Perseverance

2 Kings 18,19; 2 Chronicles 32; James 5 

“Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”

James’ word of patience and perseverance in the face of suffering encouraged the church following the destruction of Jerusalem and scattering of the Jewish followers of Christ. The prophets who chose God’s word over their own comfort and safety remind us that the word of the Lord will last forever, all else will fade away. Job’s story of testing reminds us that God allows tests of his children who honor and obey him so that he might be glorified through our faith-filled response. Perseverance through the testing is evidence of God’s blessing on our lives, not the absence of tests! The world around us is watching our life and character in the tests of life.

Will we testify to God’s compassion and mercy?

Or will we look for others to blame?

“Lord Jesus, I pray for grace in the tests you allow that I might point others to you, for your glory.”