Saturday, October 3, 2015

Patience is not Agonized Waiting, It is Trust

The trouble with cable news (I mean one of the troubles of cable news) is the 'seesaw living' it engenders. One minute it is 'this' and one minute it is 'that'. Up and down, up and down, up and down! Minute by minute living can have some disadvantages, especially if it is controlled by circumstances.

Have you ever been in a situation that seemed to switch directions by the hour; it is totally draining. This can happen easily in our cyber world today of twitter, Facebook, emails, snapchat, instagram, live streaming etc, etc, etc. We expect instant answers!

God can provide instant answers, yes, but most often things develop and that takes time. It doesn't mean He is not listening or  not answering. Too often we give up before we see results.

The book of James was written of a time that was both difficult and amazing for people who loved God. Persecution and danger were everywhere after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It was like a dense, thick cloud that hung over the believers.  For those who believed in God, it was one of the greatest moments in history, the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. It was a dynamic time.  Read through the book of James and see how many times words like 'patience', 'endure', 'continue', 'waiteth', 'no variableness', and admonitions to be slow to do something are referred to. It is a great book.

There is a great illustration in James 5:7:
7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
The early rain is the autumn rains that are necessary to prepare the soil for planting. The latter rain is necessary for growth before harvest. Crops take time. God may take His time. We all know He is able to do magnificent things (just take a look around - Did you see the moon the other night?) We also need to know that He is willing:
James 5:11: Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience (endurance) of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful (compassionate), and of tender mercy.
Cable and all the cyber opines will never  reflect God's compassion. His compassion is found in His word and the spirit that works in your heart. That is where you place your trust.

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