Steadfast in Suffering, James 5:7–12, Amy Katterson 11.8.23

Steadfast in Suffering, James 5:7–12

Life in this world, life after the “great catastrophe” of sin is hard. Will it always be this way? How do we remain steadfast? 

This week’s text, James 5:7–12, gives us a theme or banner for a faith-filled life in a broken world: patience. What does patient fortitude look like in your situation?

• Clinging to the promises of God in the middle of the “invisible” season of waiting. 
• Establishing your heart to follow Christ and to do whatever the will of God holds for you.
• Calling to mind and living in light of the soon return of the Lord Christ. 
• Humbly repenting of a grumbling heart and seeking to point out evidences of grace in one another instead. 
• Following in the footsteps of other patient and hope-filled believers and running with perseverance the race that is set before us. (Find a treasure trove of audio messages sharing such stories here: Biography Messages by John Piper)
• Trusting the merciful, compassionate purposes of God even when you don’t understand.
• Being a woman of your word and trusting God for the outcome.

We press on in patient fortitude, knowing that “when [we] have stood the test, [we] will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12). May the Lord find us and keep us faithful.